"We're in a period that is in some ways uncharted territory for the New Zealand market. There's strong demand and interest in the market and a lot of good opportunities being brought to the market, with some real enthusiasm for those. It's been a long time coming and it's nice to see it finally arrive," said Williams.
"We've got a very strong business environment here in New Zealand. There's a strong economy and it's creating strong New Zealand businesses that can either confine themselves domestically and become a yield play, or decide to increase risk and expand internationally.
"The quality, strength and aspirations of the businesses we are seeing are extremely exciting. Particularly in the technology sector, the likes of Wynyard and SLI, and no doubt another half dozen who'll come to the market this year, are proving themselves to be not only credible but incredibly successful on the global stage".
Not unlike young New Zealanders, developing businesses tend to set their sights on Australia as a first port of call before embarking on a more adventurous OE. A decade ago, however, successful expansion into the Australian market was a rarity. "There's a confidence now, and a number of companies have made that jump to great success in Australia," explains Williams.
The value of the New Zealand dollar has been a driving factor behind Australia becoming such an attractive target. Only three years ago the NZD was valued at $0.72 AUD, the lowest it has been in the past decade.
Since then however, the dollar has been on a rapid positive trajectory breaking $0.94 earlier this year.
"Australia is a cheaper place now to buy a business because our exchange rate is so strong. Our valuations here are higher too, it used to always be the case that Australia was more expensive than New Zealand. But today you can purchase a business in Australia cheaper than here on a multiples basis," said Williams.
Forsyth Barr took the lead when NZX listed EBOS Group made their $1.1 billion acquisition of Symbion, Australia's largest pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor by revenue. One of the largest private sector transactions in recent years, the investment was a significant play for EBOS as they look to expand their presence in Australasia.
"The difference we're seeing is that New Zealand companies aren't just prepared to take the leap and expand overseas, they're succeeding when they do it. Fletcher Building have had a harder time than most in Australia, but if you scratch beneath the surface, most of the other businesses that have moved into the market there have done well."
2013 was a marquee year for Forsyth Barr, as they delivered on some of the largest and most significant financial transactions of the year. Working for the government, the firm led the retail offer for the IPO of Mighty River Power and Meridian energy.
They also served as the joint lead manager for two of the major tech sector floats of the year - raising $27 million in the SLI Systems IPO and $65 million for Wynyard Group.
New Zealand's Bledisloe Team
Abano Healthcare - Replicating their New Zealand corporate dental business, Lumino in the Australian market.
Delegat's - Marketing Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, now the best selling white wine label by value in the Australian market.
Kathmandu - Australia has become the largest market for the New Zealand clothing retailer, spurring substantial growth and confidence - evidenced by 56.1 per cent year-on-year stock growth over the previous 12 months.
Michael Hill - Expanded from New Zealand to become a leading and top-performing player in the Australian retail jewellery market.
TrustPower - Successfully developed two wind farms in South Australia, including the Snowtown project now generating enough power for 230,000 homes each year.
Ryman - Introducing its successful integrated retirement village business model into the Australia market, starting with Victoria.
Vital Healthcare - The only healthcare property fund listed on the NZSX, now with over $450 million invested in the Australian market.
