M&A and capital markets: Australia’s week in review

Australia’s M&A and capital markets have seen an active week, with major strategic moves, global capital flows, and sector-specific developments influencing sentiment.

Warner Bros Discovery has joined forces with Amazon Prime Video to bring HBO Max to Australia, underscoring the intensifying competition in streaming. Atlassian also made headlines with its USD610 million purchase of The Browser Company, betting on the AI-powered Dia browser to strengthen its ecosystem.

On the global stage, Goldman Sachs partnered with T. Rowe Price in a USD1 billion initiative to broaden access to private-market products. Carlyle closed a record USD20 billion fund to buy ageing private equity stakes, signalling confidence in secondaries. Locally, Jack Cowin boosted Domino’s turnaround narrative with a $5 million share purchase.

In capital markets, used-car platform Carma engaged banks for a potential ASX listing, while Revolut executed a 10 per cent buyback at a USD75 billion valuation. Identitii sold Payble to OIF Ventures for $1.6 million, continuing portfolio reshaping in fintech. Meanwhile, the Business Council of Australia estimated that meeting 2035 climate goals will require $210 billion to $530 billion in investment, highlighting the financing challenge ahead.

In summary, the week showcased the breadth of activity driving markets forward, from technology acquisitions and private capital expansion to sustainability financing and strategic share plays. The pace of dealmaking signals that confidence remains, even as regulatory and macroeconomic pressures shape the path ahead.