It has recently been reported that M&A activity has decreased to an eight year low from US$20.3b in the first 3 months of 2012 to US$9.43b in the corresponding months of 2013.  However, while most consider current M&A activity be “once again in the doldrums” (Merger Market Group, Monthly M&A Insider, 19 April 2013), our corporate and commercial team has been delighted to experience the undeniable ascendancy of SMEs in the Hunter Valley.  The tenacity of these businesses has contributed to a strong backbone for commerce in the region, bucking recent trends in the M&A market at large.

Since opening our office in August last year, we have successfully closed 6 major deals and acted on a range of other investment transactions and small market sales.  Some of the deals we have recently acted on include:

• Sale of Odour Control Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd – acting for the owners of Odour Control Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd, an odour management and atmospheric enhancements solutions company, in connection with the sale of its shares to Bulbeck Holdings Pty Ltd.
• Acquisition of Vision Control Solutions Pty Ltd – advising Rutherford Group Holdings Pty Ltd in relation to its acquisition of Vision Control Solutions Pty Ltd, an electrical and mechanical services provider in the mining industry.
• Purchase of Billy Hyde Stage Systems – advising Clementine Music Pty Limited in relation to the acquisition of Billy Hyde Stage Systems, a leading backline stage and equipment hire business, from an administrator.
• Fund Establishment – advising the founders of Slingshot Investments Pty Ltd, Craig Lambert and Trent Bagnell, in relation to structuring and funding of a high-tech start up accelerator.
• Sale of Strata Engineering Pty Limited – acting for the owners of Strata Engineering Pty Limited, a geotechnical services company, in connection with the sale of its shares to Golder Associates.
• Divestment of Sports Marketing and Management Pty Ltd – advising on the divestment of Sports Marketing and Management Pty Ltd, an international marketing, sponsorship and PR business to French sports marketing and agency company, Lagardere Unlimited SAS.

We are also in the process of advising on a number of other transactions including conducting a competitive sale process on behalf of the owners of Enviropacific Services Pty Limited.

This article is not legal advice.  It is intended to provide commentary and general information only.  Access to this article does not entitle you to rely on it as legal advice.  You should obtain formal legal advice specific to your own situation.  Please contact us if you require advice on matters covered by this article.