Thomson Geer is advising Japanese food and beverage maker Kirin Holdings on its A$1.8 billion ($1.2 billion) proposed acquisition of Australian vitamin manufacturer Blackmores, which is being advised by Herbert Smith Freehills.

The deal makes good on a plan by Kirin to broaden its business beyond alcoholic drinks as a growing interest in health raises expectations of tougher regulation, Reuters reported, adding that it also throws a lifeline to Blackmores' shareholders after years of soft returns.

The Thomson Geer team is led by partners Scott Gibson and Michael Ng, while the Herbert Smith Freehills team is led by chair and senior partner Rebecca Maslen-Stannage.