What's Happening?
Australia's M&A market has experienced healthy cross-border activity in 2025, with notable transactions such as CC Capital's acquisition of Insignia Financial and James Hardie Industries' acquisition of AZEK. Partner Patrick Lewis discusses the current M&A landscape, highlighting a trend towards public-to-private transactions driven by private equity firms and institutional investors. Factors such as declining inflation, moderating interest rates, and a stable political environment contribute to a positive outlook for the market.
Why It's Important?
The increased interest in Australia's M&A market, particularly in sectors like tech, financial services, and critical minerals, reflects global trends and the demand for resources supporting renewable energy. The Australian government's promotion of the critical minerals sector underscores its strategic importance in the global supply chain. The market's openness to foreign investment and the influence of U.S. M&A practices highlight Australia's role as a key player in international dealmaking.
What's Next?
Australia's new merger regime, effective January 2026, will introduce mandatory preclearance processes, impacting international deals with Australian elements. Companies interested in M&A in Australia should prepare for regulatory changes and monitor global trends affecting the market. The inclusion of Xerox-style provisions in transaction agreements indicates a shift towards protecting debt funders in M&A deals.
Beyond the Headlines
The evolving M&A landscape in Australia highlights the need for companies to understand regulatory requirements and due diligence needs. The stringent approach to continuous disclosure by the Australian Securities Exchange may surprise U.S. investors. The influence of U.S. M&A practices on Australian dealmaking reflects the interconnectedness of global markets and the importance of adapting to local regulatory environments.
