The number of new construction contracts has continued to dwindle and many contracts are in limbo as the availability of funds remains an issue for developers and builders.

This August has been the busiest month for M&A deals in more than a decade, according to the latest Thomson Reuters data.

The Canadian corporate spending spree in Australia continues with the announcement that Brookfield Infrastructure will buy the remaining 60% of Australian Prime Infrastructure, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is proposing to acquire the Intoll Group valued at A$3.4bn.

DLA Phillips Fox Adelaide and Rankine Tucker Lawyers will create a new firm, Fox Tucker Lawyers, from September 6.