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In this episode, Corporate Finance Partner Jannaya James talks through the 10th Edition of Dealtracker, what the current deals landscape looks like and where Australia sits on the global stage.

M&A deal volumes are down, but industry deal composition suggests Australia’s M&A landscape has largely stabilised. IMs led the charge by deploying long-held capital, while IPOs are subdued – likely into the future. Industrials continues to be the sector driving activity, and SMEs again remain some of the most sought-after targets for acquisition.

The valuation of unlisted investments continues to garner significant attention in the media and by regulators given the high level of judgement involved and the often-perceived lack of transparency around the valuation process.

M&A deal volumes and IPOs are down during economic uncertainty – but that hasn’t stopped Australia being an attractive investment opportunity.

To ensure effective integration and outputs, alongside financial viability of new renewable projects, developers, owners, asset managers, energy retailers and investors need to understand the impacts for new and existing projects caused by grid congestion and supply and demand fluctuations.

Australia has relied heavily on businesses and consumers to lead the way on emissions reduction to tackle climate change. Several Australian states have had to develop their own policies and roadmaps to progress the clean energy transition and enable private sector investment outside the national framework. This presents risks and challenges if not managed carefully.

M&A deal volumes are up – the most they have been since 2010. A new sector has taken the top spot for the number of transactions in the market.

Energy is critical to achieve our vision for modern manufacturing and a future digital economy. Both will be energy intensive. At the same time, Australia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We are reaching a critical point where a solution to affordable, sustainable and clean energy generation must be found or all the best laid plans will come to nought. What’s in the Federal Budget 2021-22 for the sector?

There is no doubt about it – Australia’s energy future will be one of increasing renewable capabilities.

Last week was “energy week” – with a number of policy announcements from the Federal Government, and yesterday’s launch of the Low Emissions Statement yesterday signalling the prioritisation of hydrogen storage, low carbon manufacturing and carbon capture on our transition away from coal and towards a more renewable future.

There is a particular opportunity in Australia for the energy sector. The global trend towards renewable and alternative energy, aligned with a local appetite for a better energy mix, is providing a ripe environment for project development and investment.