Three significant transactions which won top awards at the 2024 INFINZ Awards (Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc) were advised or arranged by Forsyth Barr, the New Zealand-owned investment and wealth management firm.
The annual INFINZ Awards recognise innovation and excellence in New Zealand's financial sector and are the leading financial industry awards in New Zealand.
The NZ Equity Market Transaction of the Year was Infratil's NZ$750m Placement and NZ$185m Upsized Retail Offer. Forsyth Barr was a Joint Lead Manager.
The M&A Transaction of the Year Award was the NZ$260m sale of Eastland Network to First Gas / Igneo Infrastructure Partners. Forsyth Barr was Financial Advisor to Eastland Group.
The Mid-Market M&A Transaction of the Year Award for DB Breweries acquisition of Kāpura and merger with its majority owned Joylab. Forsyth Barr was Lead Financial Advisor to DB Breweries.
The judges commented on the M&A Transaction of the Year Award, stating that they "were particularly impressed by the significance of this deal for the local community. Whilst not the largest M&A deal, it was just as complex and challenging as some larger deals and was hugely impactful for the numerous stakeholders involved. The release of capital to fund a regional renewable energy development pipeline and to support community and societal objectives in the region were standout features of this transaction."
