With strategic bidders and foreign government acquirers on the side lines, 2021 may be the busiest ever for PE dealmakers ...

Major foreign investment law changes; ASIC extends relief for financial reporting and AGM requirements and issues guidance on design and distribution laws; ASX issues guidance to address 'earning surprises'; ACCC releases first digital platform inquiry interim report; and WA Supreme Court hands down decision with implications for legal professional privilege in internal emails. ...

Recent data, coupled with the Privacy Act 1988 notifiable data breaches scheme, APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234, the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act and the GDPR, confirm that when it comes to serious cyber security breaches, listed entities should be complying with existing continuous disclosure requirements. ...

We consider the key implications arising from the Attorney-General's long-awaited review of the Privacy Act - a key part of the Government's response to the ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry. The review seeks to strengthen privacy protections for individuals and streamline compliance for businesses working across international borders. ...

ASIC concludes position on use of stub equity in control transactions; ASX extends emergency class waivers and clarifies ability to ratify use of additional placement capacity; FIRB amending legislation introduced to Parliament; FIRB updates guidance on tax conditions; ACCC to examine competition in mobile apps; Fair Work Commission extends temporary COVID-19 flexibilities in 99 modern awards; Federal Government proposes to make electronic signing and virtual meetings permanent. ...

ASIC has released its response to the submissions on its June 2019 Consultation Paper on certain aspects of the use of stub equity in control transactions, and the news is mostly positive. ...

Second tranche of draft FIRB reforms released; ASIC releases Corporate Plan for 2020-24; ASIC grants relief for escrow and non-promotional communications for IPOs and updates RG5 and RG254; High Court sides with employers and clarifies personal/carer's leave entitlements; ACCC releases ninth interim gas inquiry report; extension of temporary COVID-19 continuous disclosure and insolvency relief measures; ALRC reports on Australia's corporate criminal responsibility regime. ...

The Federal Government released its much anticipated Cyber Security Strategy 2020 Report on 6 August. The Strategy builds on the foundations of its 2016 predecessor and closely follows the recommendations made by the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy Industry Advisory Panel in its July report. ...

An overview of the ACCC's approach to the CDR Rules and CDR data sets for the energy sector, and matters which may require energy-specific rules. This article provides and highlights the key issues which have been left open for further consideration. ...

Nucleus – corporate law developments: FIRB introduces temporary streamlined exemption certificates; ASIC issues guidance on product intervention power; ACCC raises concerns about two digital mergers; and other corporate law developments ...