M&A

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.

MAC Copper, which operates the Cobar copper mine in NSW, has accepted a $1.6 billion takeover offer from South African-based gold mining company Harmony Gold.

Real estate funds manager Centuria Capital Group has taken advantage of surging investment demand, selling three industrial assets in southern Queensland for an average sales premium of 25 per cent.

The Commonwealth Bank has given Healthscope a $100 million lifeline as the embattled hospital giant appoints receivers to negotiate a sale.