M&A

Global investment firm KKR has signed a deal to acquire renewable energy producer Zenith Energy, which provides services for Australia's off-grid mining industry.

Johns Lyng Group confirmed Wednesday it had received a takeover offer from Pacific Equity Partners for an undisclosed sum and has granted the private equity firm an exclusivity period to undergo due diligence.

Ashurst and King & Wood Mallesons are working behind the scenes on the proposed union of long-time partners Brickworks and investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson, a merger that shows capital markets are ready to back big deals, one lead lawyer says.

Fletcher Building has confirmed it has received inquiries from prospective buyers of its businesses, including its construction division.

Multinational real estate services and investment giant CBRE will acquire privately-owned commercial real estate agency Burgess Rawson.

Mayne Pharma has said it will file a court challenge to the validity of US drug maker Cosette Pharmaceuticals' purported termination of a $672 million takeover offer.

Norton Rose Fulbright has lured two M&A parters from Squire Patton Boggs to join its Sydney office during a period of high demand. 

Investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson has reached a merger agreement with building products and property company Brickworks to create a $14 billion powerhouse.

The ACCC has raised concerns about the proposed acquisition by ASX-listed Elders of Delta Agribusiness, saying it could reduce competition in agriculture products.