Why Baker McKenzie is gearing up for a busy 2018
The global economy is improving, and geopolitical risks have broadly eased, which should set the scene for a strong year for deals in 2018.
A positive outlook for M&A is forecast by Baker McKenzie in a new report which acknowledges that 2017 has been impacted by apprehension amid fear of a ‘cliff-edge’ – which never came despite a slowdown in the global economy.
Next year though should see M&A deals exceed U$3 trillion, and IPO value to surge 50% compared to 2017 to reach $300 billion.
We see an uplift in both M&A and IPO activity as dealmakers and investors gain greater confidence in the business prospects of acquisition targets and newly-listed businesses," said Paul Rawlinson, Baker McKenzie's global chair. "However it's not a done deal, with the threat of a Hard Brexit and a NAFTA collapse both still very real. Business will need to continue to make the case for liberal trade and investment frameworks."
For Asia Pacific the high numbers may be further out with the report, compiled in association with Oxford Economics, expecting the regional peak to be in 2019 along with Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. North America and Europe will dominate deals in 2018.
Four firms act on South Australia wind farm development
The first stage of the development of a wind farm in South Australia has utilised the talents of four law firms.
The $300 million Lincoln Gap wind farm is being developed by Nexif Energy and will eventually comprise 59 turbines located around 15km west of Port Augusta. The first stage will be 35 turbines and a battery storage facility.
Herbert Smith Freehills advised Nexif on the procurement (EPC and O&M), long term asset management, grid connection, corporate, planning, land and due diligence aspects of the project.
Norton Rose Fullbright acted for CEFC, White and Case acted for Nexif Energy for the financing, and Finlaysons acted for Nexif Energy on South Australian land aspects.
Ashurst marks 20 years in Germany
Ashurst in Germany has celebrated 20 years since opening its first office in the country.
The firm’s Frankfurt office opened in 1997 with Munich following four years later, growing since from a team of just 10 lawyers to become one of the leaders in the German market.
"Over the last 20 years we have seen major market changes in Germany and internationally and we have seen our own firm transform over that period,” commented Ashurst’s managing partner of Germany Tobias Krug.
He added that the market continues to evolve, making it a very exciting time for the industry.
