Strong year forecast for Asia Pacific M&A
Optimism is high for M&A in Asia Pacific following a solid 2016,
Herbert Smith Freehills says.
“2016 presented Asia Pacific’s dealmakers with a range of challenges including low commodity prices, volatile capital markets in some parts of Asia, a new US administration, along with the global shock of Brexit," commented Andrew Pike, Herbert Smith Freehills’ Head of Corporate, Australia.
In its fourth annual Asia Pacific M&A Review, the law firm highlights that 2016 may have brought lower deal volumes but Australian deal values were high and it expects continued inbound interest with North America and China among the keenest investors.
Three key trends are identified: a scramble for tech assets and skills; rebalancing of domestic markets as many Asian markets evolve from heavy industries to tech, consumer goods and services; and commodities price volatility maintaining M&A in the mining and energy sectors.
Women-owned law firms flourishing
It’s International Women’s Day and a new report reveals that law firms owned by women are showing strong growth.
The study by the Law Society in England & Wales found that more than a third of law firms there are majority-owned by women, which is higher than the proportion for other small and medium enterprises.
Law Society president Robert Bourns says it reflects the changing culture within the legal profession.
"As the professional body for solicitors, we see real power in diversity and support progress for the best, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation, so our profession reflects the population it serves,” Bourns said.
The study highlights that women make up 48 per cent of solicitors in England & Wales, rising to 61 per cent among family lawyers.
However, there is still work to be done as the report shows that only 28.8 per cent of partners are women.
DLA Piper announces Portuguese tie-up
DLA Piper’s relationship firm in Portugal has become part of the global firm effective this week.
ABBC has been working closely with DLA Piper since 2010 and has now adopted the DLA Piper with the Portuguese firm’s Angolan affiliate ADCA remaining part of the DLA Piper Africa group.
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