This month we talk to E&R Partner Rory Moriarty and focus on
a couple of recent transactions and developments in the E&R
sector.
CU: Rory, there is no shortage of commentators
speculating on the once and future attractiveness of Australian
coal for foreign investors. Obviously, there is a great deal of
uncertainty at this time but would you care to comment on any
underlying trends we are seeing separate to the events in
Canberra?
"In terms of acquisitions, it's no secret that foreign
investment in Australian coal is feeding our coal hungry neighbours
and it is those countries that are driving considerable
transactional activity around the country.
"It's almost a cliché to talk about China, with
more than 50 announced transactions in the past five years
totalling well over A$50 billion, depending how you cut it. The
reasons for this are well documented and certainly we have every
expectation of this continuing for at least the next couple of
years.
