Mallesons has maintained its position as a market-leading advisor on Australian M&A transactions, securing the top ranking for deals by value in Australia and New Zealand across both Mergermarket and LSEG league tables for the first half of 2026.
Mallesons ranked:
- #1 for deals by value in Australia & New Zealand in Mergermarket
- #1 for deals by value (announced) in Australia & New Zealand in LSEG
- #1 for deals by volume (announced) in Australia & New Zealand in LSEG
Mallesons held 51% market share of announced deal value activity in the Australian market in that period according to Mergermarket.
The results underscore Mallesons' position at the centre of Australia's most significant corporate transactions, having advised on four of the five largest deals announced in the market during the first half of 2026. These matters included South32's landmark agreement to sell its aluminium value chain assets to Alcoa, as well as major transactions involving Ramsay Santé, Steadfast Group and Atlas Arteria, reflecting the firm's role on market-defining deals spanning resources, infrastructure, healthcare and financial services.
Against a backdrop of regulatory scrutiny and change, including significant developments in Australia’s competition laws and increased scrutiny from FIRB and the ATO of cross-border deals, Mallesons continues to successfully guide clients on their significant transactions.
Commenting on the rankings, M&A Practice Co-Leader David Eliakim said:
"The first half of 2026 has seen high levels of M&A activity globally. Strategic and sponsor clients remain disciplined but have taken opportunities to transact where there is a compelling strategic rationale. Bridging the “value gap” between buyers and sellers has in many cases called for innovative earn out and contingent consideration structures which give both the confidence to proceed.”
Further commenting, M&A Practice Co-Leader Rachael Lewis said:
"These results reflect the trust our clients place in us to support them in a world that is evolving rapidly. M&A activity continues to demand sophisticated advisory capability, particularly where clients are navigating regulatory complexity, stakeholder considerations and heightened market scrutiny.”
