Allens

'This transaction reflects the scale of investment in AI infrastructure globally and the increasing value placed on platforms capable of supporting next generation compute demand,' say partners Emin Altiparmak and Joshua Hoare. We advised Blackstone on its equity investment in Firmus Technologies as part of a US$2 billion strategic equity funding round. Find out more about our expertise in AI infrastructure and data centres: https://lnkd.in/gaa5wtbj

'Battery energy storage continues to play a critical role in Australia's energy transition, and we are seeing sustained investor interest in both standalone and co-located BESS projects.' We advised ACEnergy and vendors on the sale of the Yanco Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project to BW ESS, supporting the continued growth of large-scale energy storage infrastructure across Australia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gncPSq3C

Digital transformation is changing how organisations operate, compete and manage risk. AI, data, cyber resilience, technology infrastructure and emerging regulation are opening up opportunities for growth while creating new exposures.   Meet the new partners helping clients pursue innovation, with the advice on governance, safeguards and strategy needed to realise value while staying ahead of disruption: https://lnkd.in/g6cepU_w

'Following a period of sustained consolidation and investment in the Australian financial services sector, we continue to see strong deal activity, particularly involving asset managers, wealth platforms and specialist investment businesses.' We advised Janus Henderson Investors on its strategic partnership with Insignia Financial, which includes the acquisition of three specialist investment management businesses: Antares Fixed Income, Antares Equities and Insignia's 40% interest in Fairview Equity Partners. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTiTFbUn

Insider cyber incidents have steadily increased in recent years, but there's one threat that's causing particular concern: North Korean operatives posing as remote IT workers, quietly embedded inside legitimate organisations. In the latest episode of The Cyber Brief, co-hosts Valeska Bloch and Sonia Millen speak with Ryan LaSalle, CEO of Nisos. Ryan shares the extraordinary story of how Nisos uncovered and infiltrated a North Korean remote IT worker fraud operation after a suspected operative applied for a role at the company. Instead of rejecting the applicant, they hired him—shipping a monitored laptop and uncovering a live fraud cell: a network of at least 20 operatives simultaneously employed at five US companies, none of which knew. Listen or watch now: https://lnkd.in/giwT6Q7c Apple: https://lnkd.in/gdHDsAmj Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gCNtbwUB

Data centres could soon face new obligations to support renewables, firming capacity and grid flexibility, alongside higher connection and network costs. The AEMC's recommendations may reshape energy strategies across the sector. Explore our data centre expertise: https://lnkd.in/gaa5wtbj

'This transaction is a good example of sponsors refinancing and optimising existing portfolio financing arrangements. As portfolios mature, sponsors are increasingly seeking opportunities to further streamline and build flexibility into their debt platforms to allow for future growth and diversification.' We advised the lenders to Squadron Energy on the refinancing of Squadron's renewable energy portfolio, with Macquarie Capital as financial adviser. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5UznrT3

'These transactions represent significant funding milestones for CDC, and also a diversification of the Australian debt capital markets into the digital infrastructure sector.' We advised CDC on raising $1.7 billion in the Australian debt capital markets through the establishment of an A$ senior debt program and an A$ subordinated debt program. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaDTqnDp

'The financing reflects continued confidence in the role of large-scale battery infrastructure in supporting the energy transition and improving the reliability of electricity supply - and signals the growing convergence of battery storage with data centre development as a defining feature of Australia's energy landscape.' Allens has advised a syndicate of domestic and international lenders on the financing of Stage 3 of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners' Supernode battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Brendale, Queensland. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gPM47mbx

'It has been great working with the Evolution team again on this transaction, which will enhance the company's already strong copper growth pipeline.' Allens has advised Evolution Mining on its entry into of a scheme implementation deed to acquire ASX-listed Carnaby Resources Limited by way of a scheme of arrangement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gsWnaxCm