Now in its eighth year, the M&A Conference has cemented its position as Australia’s premier forum for top dealmakers. It brings together leading voices from across the local and international M&A community to share insights on market dynamics, deal activity and the regulatory developments shaping the road ahead. We were delighted to once again co-host the M&A Conference and, for those of you who missed out on it or would like a refresher, catch up on this year’s keynote sessions below.
Global M&A insights with Stephan Feldgoise, Global Head of M&A, Goldman Sachs
In conversation with AFR Chanticleer’s James Thomson and KWM’s David Friedlander, Stephan Feldgoise shared his perspective on the state of global M&A as capital markets reopen and deal activity accelerates.
Feldgoise drew parallels to the record-breaking period of 2021, noting that ‘capital markets are wide open’ once again, with activity across public and private markets nearing all-time highs. The discussion explored the resurgence of cross-border transactions, the rise of sponsor-backed deals and how boards are responding to shareholder activism and shifting US political dynamics.
‘Inside the M&A departments across the street, and certainly at Goldman Sachs, activity levels are running at near all-time highs.’ - Stephan Feldgoise, Global Head of M&A, Goldman Sachs
Merger reform, FIRB and the shifting landscape of public M&A
KWM Partner Nicola Charlston joined Chris Blane (Allens) and Kam Jamshidi (Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer) to unpack how Australia’s merger reforms and foreign investment regime are reshaping public M&A.
Moderated by AFR Chanticleer’s Anthony Macdonald and James Thomson, the panel discussed how greater scrutiny from the ACCC and FIRB is influencing deal strategy, timing and execution. With foreign investment rules tightening, early regulatory engagement and robust compliance planning are now critical for bidders seeking certainty in competitive processes.