This illuminating episode compares and contrasts trade unions trends in 2027  and what this means for employers. This episode offers some insights from Australia, the U.S., the UK, continental Europe, and several countries in Asia.

Will 2027 be a year of union renewal in the jurisdictions covered? The signs point to (mostly) yes.

In this episode of Ashurst Perkins Coie’s World @ Work series, Peter McNulty (Australia) hosts a global panel with colleagues Heather Sager (covering the US), Ruth Buchanan (UK), Jordan Cohen (France, Germany and Spain) and Jeannette Tam (several jurisdictions in Asia). Together, they compare the latest union trends in their respective parts of the world and explore employer readiness.

The panel tracks unions’ moves into non-traditional industries such as video gaming, software development, the gig economy and even college athletics. And they look at how unions are participating in conventional industries in increasingly non-traditional ways.

AI is a constant theme. From negotiating no-forced-redundancy clauses in enterprise agreements in Australia to works council rights in France, Germany and Spain, AI is an union focal point. New laws are also expanding unions’ reach, most notably in the UK, where the Employment Rights Act 2025 gives unions a statutory right to access workplaces, both physically and digitally.

Hong Kong is the outlier. Jeannette explains why union registrations are on the decline, and the implications for multinationals operating there. Jeanette also provides updates on Singapore, Indonesia and South Korea.

Each panelist closes with tips for employers in 2027. In the US, Heather says employers should get proactive and “provide lines of communication and resources for your employees that make them “feel heard”.”. In Europe, Jordan suggests employers “treat social dialogue as a strategic asset”. In Asia, Jeannette says there’s no single playbook, so “take it country by country”. In Australia, Peter recommends planning industrial relations strategy over a two- to three-year horizon. As for the UK, Ruth recommends employers “keep an open mind and not to view unions as an adversary”.

To listen, search for “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie: The World @ Work” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

 

 

This illuminating episode compares and contrasts trade unions trends in 2027 &nbsp;and what this means for employers. This episode offers some insights from Australia, the U.S., the UK, continental Europe, and several countries in Asia.
Will 2027 be a year of union renewal in the jurisdictions covered? The signs point to (mostly) yes.
In this episode of Ashurst Perkins Coie&rsquo;s World @ Work series, <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/peter-mcnulty/">Peter McNulty</a> (Australia) hosts a global panel with colleagues <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/heather-sager/">Heather Sager</a> (covering the US), <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/ruth-buchanan/">Ruth Buchanan</a> (UK), <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/jordan-cohen/">Jordan Cohen</a> (France, Germany and Spain) and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/jeannette-tam/">Jeannette Tam</a> (several jurisdictions in Asia). Together, they compare the latest union trends in their respective parts of the world and explore employer readiness.
The panel tracks unions&rsquo; moves into non-traditional industries such as video gaming, software development, the gig economy and even college athletics. And they look at how unions are participating in conventional industries in increasingly non-traditional ways.
AI is a constant theme. From negotiating no-forced-redundancy clauses in enterprise agreements in Australia to works council rights in France, Germany and Spain, AI is an union focal point. New laws are also expanding unions&rsquo; reach, most notably in the UK, where the Employment Rights Act 2025 gives unions a statutory right to access workplaces, both physically and digitally.
Hong Kong is the outlier. Jeannette explains why union registrations are on the decline, and the implications for multinationals operating there. Jeanette also provides updates on Singapore, Indonesia and South Korea.
Each panelist closes with tips for employers in 2027. In the US, Heather says employers should get proactive and &ldquo;provide lines of communication and resources for your employees that make them &ldquo;feel heard&rdquo;.&rdquo;. In Europe, Jordan suggests employers &ldquo;treat social dialogue as a strategic asset&rdquo;. In Asia, Jeannette says there&rsquo;s no single playbook, so &ldquo;take it country by country&rdquo;. In Australia, Peter recommends planning industrial relations strategy over a two- to three-year horizon. As for the UK, Ruth recommends employers &ldquo;keep an open mind and not to view unions as an adversary&rdquo;.
To listen, search for &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie: The World @ Work&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

This illuminating episode compares and contrasts trade unions trends in 2027  and what this means for employers. This episode offers some insights from Australia, the U.S., the UK, continental Europe, and several countries in Asia. 

World@Work Employment podcast Trade union trends in 2027

Bidders in the UK public M&A market have become increasingly willing to turn to more aggressive tactics, with bear hug announcements making a notable return. In the latest podcast, Jade, Tom and Harry explore what a bear hug is and why a bidder might use one to bring a reluctant target board to the table. Drawing on this year's deals, the team considers why some bear hugs have led to recommended deals while others have ended in hostile offers or bidders being timed out. Finally, they share practical advice for bidders and target boards alike.

The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on our website. The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the second quarter, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarizing the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.

To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for “Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Bidders in the UK public M&amp;A market have become increasingly willing to turn to more aggressive tactics, with bear hug announcements making a notable return. In the latest podcast, <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/jade-jack/">Jade</a>, <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/tom-mercer/">Tom</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/harry-thimont/">Harry</a> explore what a bear hug is and why a bidder might use one to bring a reluctant target board to the table. Drawing on this year's deals, the team considers why some bear hugs have led to recommended deals while others have ended in hostile offers or bidders being timed out. Finally, they share practical advice for bidders and target boards alike.
The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/insights/uk-public-m-a-update--q3-2026/">our website.</a> The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the second quarter, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarizing the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.
To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for &ldquo;Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

In the latest podcast, Jade, Tom and Harry explore what a bear hug is and why a bidder might use one to bring a reluctant target board to the table. Drawing on this year's deals, the team considers why some bear hugs have led to recommended deals while others have ended in hostile offers or bidders being timed out. Finally, they share practical advice for bidders and target boards alike.

Takeover Talks: Somebody needs a hug

The UAE has a complicated patchwork of privacy, AI, cyber and data sovereignty regulation both onshore and in its free zones. In this episode we explore this evolving legal environment and share insights on the client conversations we are having in the region.

The UAE's regulation of data (whether through cyber, sovereignty, AI or privacy legislation and enforcement) is changing at pace. Regulators in the financial free zones are showing their teeth, a new federal authority is on its way, and regional conflict has triggered an unprecedented volume of cyber-attacks.

In this episode of Data Bytes, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Tom Brookes speaks with Alex Brazeau and Emma Tormey. Together, they discuss the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law, enforcement in the free zones, what the new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority could mean for businesses in the region, myths about data localization rules and practical steps to keep cross-border data flowing with the right safeguards.

With cyber attacks at unprecedented levels, the conversation also explores how businesses can get proactive with incident playbooks, crisis simulations and audit-ready evidence of controls.

Hear the episode by searching for “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. And find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The UAE has a complicated patchwork of privacy, AI, cyber and data sovereignty regulation both onshore and in its free zones. In this episode we explore this evolving legal environment and share insights on the client conversations we are having in the region.
The UAE's regulation of data (whether through cyber, sovereignty, AI or privacy legislation and enforcement) is changing at pace. Regulators in the financial free zones are showing their teeth, a new federal authority is on its way, and regional conflict has triggered an unprecedented volume of cyber-attacks. 
In this episode of Data Bytes, Ashurst Perkins Coie&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/tom-brookes/">Tom Brookes</a> speaks with <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/alexandre-brazeau/">Alex Brazeau</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/emma-tormey/">Emma Tormey</a>. Together, they discuss the UAE&rsquo;s Personal Data Protection Law, enforcement in the free zones, what the new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority could mean for businesses in the region, myths about data localization rules and practical steps to keep cross-border data flowing with the right safeguards.
With cyber attacks at unprecedented levels, the conversation also explores how businesses can get proactive with incident playbooks, crisis simulations and audit-ready evidence of controls.
Hear the episode by searching for &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. And find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The UAE has a complicated patchwork of privacy, AI, cyber and data sovereignty regulation both onshore and in its free zones. In this episode we explore this evolving legal environment and share insights on the client conversations we are having in the region.

Data Bytes: Data, Cyber and AI Law, Regulation and Enforcement in the UAE

Workplace relationships are nothing new but, for UK employers, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode we pinpoint risk and compliance issues to watch out for.

Close relationships at work are a fact of life, but they can be notoriously tricky for employees and employers to navigate. And if something goes wrong, there can be far reaching legal, reputational and regulatory impacts for employers.

In this episode of The Employment Exchange podcast, Ashurst Perkins Coie partner and Head of Employment, UK & Europe, Ruth Buchanan, is joined by colleagues Sarah-Jane Gemmell and Katharine Foster, pinpoint some of the issues, risks and unintended consequences that employers need to be prepared for. In just 20 minutes, this episode covers:
How hybrid working has “muddied the waters” for employers
The hallmarks of an effective workplace relationships policy that balances employees’ privacy with the employer’s legitimate interests. (As Kate puts it: “Document everything.”)
Power imbalances, consent, and the risks of favoritism, harassment, discrimination, victimization and constructive dismissal claims
Legal and regulatory changes to help prevent sexual harassment – including increased employer accountability from October this year under the Employment Rights Act 2025
How employers should respond when a relationship is declared, creates a conflict in reporting lines, or comes to an end
Common mistakes to avoid and mitigate against.

Hear the episode by searching for “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. And find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

Newsflash: We’ve just launched The Employment Exchange, which brings together all the latest insights and updates from Ashurst Perkins Coie’s UK employment team.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Workplace relationships are nothing new but, for UK employers, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode we pinpoint risk and compliance issues to watch out for.
Close relationships at work are a fact of life, but they can be notoriously tricky for employees and employers to navigate. And if something goes wrong, there can be far reaching legal, reputational and regulatory impacts for employers.
In this episode of The Employment Exchange podcast, Ashurst Perkins Coie partner and Head of Employment, UK &amp; Europe, Ruth Buchanan, is joined by colleagues Sarah-Jane Gemmell and Katharine Foster, pinpoint some of the issues, risks and unintended consequences that employers need to be prepared for. In just 20 minutes, this episode covers:
<ul>
<li>How hybrid working has &ldquo;muddied the waters&rdquo; for employers</li>
<li>The hallmarks of an effective workplace relationships policy that balances employees&rsquo; privacy with the employer&rsquo;s legitimate interests. (As Kate puts it: &ldquo;Document everything.&rdquo;)</li>
<li>Power imbalances, consent, and the risks of favoritism, harassment, discrimination, victimization and constructive dismissal claims</li>
<li>Legal and regulatory changes to help prevent sexual harassment &ndash; including increased employer accountability from October this year under the Employment Rights Act 2025</li>
<li>How employers should respond when a relationship is declared, creates a conflict in reporting lines, or comes to an end</li>
<li>Common mistakes to avoid and mitigate against.</li>
</ul>
Hear the episode by searching for &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. And find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>.
Newsflash: We&rsquo;ve just launched <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/what-we-do/employment/">The Employment Exchange</a>, which brings together all the latest insights and updates from Ashurst Perkins Coie&rsquo;s UK employment team.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Workplace relationships are nothing new but, for UK employers, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode we pinpoint risk and compliance issues to watch out for.

The Employment Exchange: When work gets personal: what employers need to know

The independent review into Australia’s Closing Loopholes reforms has landed, and it brings little comfort for employers. In this episode of Industrious Conversations, we pinpoint some of the major findings that business leaders should be across.

Ashurst Perkins Coie partners Shelley Williams and Peter McNulty discuss what the review had to say about:

• wage compliance and the criminalisation of wage theft;
• the employee definition changes; and
• the intractable bargaining regime’s “no less favourable” constraint.

They also preview the Labor Party’s 2026 draft national platform, including its focus on full employment, portability of entitlements and psychosocial hazards.

Overall, Peter reflects: “The Loopholes review really recognises that there are significant burdens and complexities [for employers] arising from this new legislation but, for the large part, [the review] recognises that … these changes were designed to impose greater burdens on employers.” Searching for upsides, Peter adds that “the commentary on the ‘no less favourable’ test is probably where there is one glimmer of hope for employers coming out of the review.”

Hear the full story by searching “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The independent review into Australia&rsquo;s Closing Loopholes reforms has landed, and it brings little comfort for employers. In this episode of Industrious Conversations, we pinpoint some of the major findings that business leaders should be across.
Ashurst Perkins Coie partners<a href="https://cms.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/shelley-williams/"> Shelley Williams</a> and <a href="https://cms.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/peter-mcnulty/">Peter McNulty</a>&nbsp;discuss what the review had to say about:
&bull; wage compliance and the criminalisation of wage theft; &bull; the employee definition changes; and &bull; the intractable bargaining regime&rsquo;s &ldquo;no less favourable&rdquo; constraint.
They also preview the Labor Party&rsquo;s 2026 draft national platform, including its focus on full employment, portability of entitlements and psychosocial hazards.
Overall, Peter reflects: &ldquo;The Loopholes review really recognises that there are significant burdens and complexities [for employers] arising from this new legislation but, for the large part, [the review] recognises that &hellip; these changes were designed to impose greater burdens on employers.&rdquo; Searching for upsides, Peter adds that &ldquo;the commentary on the &lsquo;no less favourable&rsquo; test is probably where there is one glimmer of hope for employers coming out of the review.&rdquo; Hear the full story by searching &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://cms.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/legal-outlook-podcasts/legal-outlook-industrious-conversations-final-report-of-the-closing-loopholes-review/ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Industrious Conversations: Final Report of the Closing Loopholes review

In our next episode of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Women in Tech podcast, host Denae Erasmus is joined by Luisa de Gouveia, Head of Legal Operations at Sky, to explore the evolving impact of AI in legal operations.

Luisa begins by sharing the story of her career journey — from technology and media transactions authority to her current role leading Legal Operations at Sky. Central to that journey is Luisa's experience of living and working with a chronic repetitive strain injury. Luisa speaks openly about the realities of navigating a demanding legal career with a chronic condition and how it has fundamentally changed the way she works.

In this episode we focus on key questions shaping the future of legal operations — legal design, systems thinking and how the rise of AI is forcing legal teams to rethink not just what they do, but how and why they do it. What happens when lawyers stop doing the work and start designing how it gets done? And what does it really take to redesign the way a legal team works?

Luisa also shares her advice for legal operations leaders who want to position themselves as true strategic partners. From building credibility to managing expectations, she offers her perspective on what it takes to deliver lasting change — and how small, honest wins can build something lasting.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

In our next episode of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Women in Tech podcast, host Denae Erasmus is joined by Luisa de Gouveia, Head of Legal Operations at Sky, to explore the evolving impact of AI in legal operations.
Luisa begins by sharing the story of her career journey &mdash; from technology and media transactions authority to her current role leading Legal Operations at Sky. Central to that journey is Luisa's experience of living and working with a chronic repetitive strain injury. Luisa speaks openly about the realities of navigating a demanding legal career with a chronic condition and how it has fundamentally changed the way she works.
In this episode we focus on key questions shaping the future of legal operations &mdash; legal design, systems thinking and how the rise of AI is forcing legal teams to rethink not just what they do, but how and why they do it. What happens when lawyers stop doing the work and start designing how it gets done? And what does it really take to redesign the way a legal team works?
Luisa also shares her advice for legal operations leaders who want to position themselves as true strategic partners. From building credibility to managing expectations, she offers her perspective on what it takes to deliver lasting change &mdash; and how small, honest wins can build something lasting.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

In our next episode of the Ashurst Perkins Coie Women in Tech podcast, host Denae Erasmus is joined by Luisa de Gouveia, Head of Legal Operations at Sky, to explore the evolving impact of AI in legal operations.

Women in Tech: Accessible Intelligence — AI at the intersection of accessibility and Legal Ops

If you work on Australia’s data center infrastructure, you’ll already be familiar with the energy and infrastructure pressures that come along with that. The question is: Can our energy system keep pace with the nation’s escalating demand?

In the first of this two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow we go in search of answers. Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Alexandra Peace is joined by colleagues Kate Muller and Mike Webb to discuss how data center operators can meet government expectations to provide their own power and offset demand with renewables. They also consider how to bridge the funding gap, how to withstand grid disturbances, and how the current regulatory framework may no longer be fit for purpose.

Listen to this episode by searching “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

If you work on Australia&rsquo;s data center infrastructure, you&rsquo;ll already be familiar with the energy and infrastructure pressures that come along with that. The question is: Can our energy system keep pace with the nation&rsquo;s escalating demand?
In the first of this two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow we go in search of answers. Ashurst Perkins Coie&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/alexandra-peace/">Alexandra Peace</a> is joined by colleagues <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/kate-muller/">Kate Muller</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/michael-webb/">Mike Webb</a> to discuss how data center operators can meet government expectations to provide their own power and offset demand with renewables. They also consider how to bridge the funding gap, how to withstand grid disturbances, and how the current regulatory framework may no longer be fit for purpose.
Listen to this episode by searching &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Australia’s power grid was already feeling the strain before demand surged from data centers. So how can developers become part of the energy solution? In the first of a two-part series, we tackle connection standards, cost allocation and the shifting regulatory landscape.

Data centers: Powering Australia’s AI boom, part 1

Australia’s energy story is being rewritten by data center developers – and in this episode, we offer a sneak peek at how the next chapters will play out. From procurement risks to fresh revenue opportunities, we examine the issues developers should watch out for.

This is the second of a two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow, our regular podcast mini-series about data centers around the globe. You’ll hear from Ashurst Perkins Coie real estate partner Alexandra Peace and project partners Kate Muller and Mike Webb about how data center operators are not only buying power in Australia’s energy ecosystem – but also generating it too.

Along the way, the trio discuss the growth of renewables in the energy mix, through a mix of retail contracts, sleeved and virtual PPAs, and wholesale market exposure. They explain how behind-the-meter batteries and power generation open up new revenue lines and joint venture opportunities. And they consider one of the great conundrums for the data center energy equation: that flat, round-the-clock demand helps soak cheap daytime solar energy but adds pressure during peak times.

Listen to this episode by searching “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Australia&rsquo;s energy story is being rewritten by data center developers &ndash; and in this episode, we offer a sneak peek at how the next chapters will play out. From procurement risks to fresh revenue opportunities, we examine the issues developers should watch out for.
This is the second of a two-part episode of Here Today, Here Tomorrow, our regular podcast mini-series about data centers around the globe. You&rsquo;ll hear from Ashurst Perkins Coie real estate partner <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/alexandra-peace/">Alexandra Peace</a> and project partners <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/kate-muller/">Kate Muller</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/michael-webb/">Mike Webb</a> about how data center operators are not only buying power in Australia&rsquo;s energy ecosystem &ndash; but also generating it too.
Along the way, the trio discuss the growth of renewables in the energy mix, through a mix of retail contracts, sleeved and virtual PPAs, and wholesale market exposure. They explain how behind-the-meter batteries and power generation open up new revenue lines and joint venture opportunities. And they consider one of the great conundrums for the data center energy equation: that flat, round-the-clock demand helps soak cheap daytime solar energy but adds pressure during peak times.
Listen to this episode by searching &ldquo;Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. Find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/">ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts</a>.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Data center operators are becoming more sophisticated energy players – from securing renewable offtake to exploring behind-the-meter generation and grid services revenue. In the second of this two-part episode, we run the rule over procurement structures in Australia’s electricity market.

Data centers: Powering Australia’s AI boom, part 2

Ashurst Perkins Coie partners Ian Bolster, Head of APAC Dispute Resolution and Class Actions, and Tihana Zuk, a consumer and competition law specialist and Regional Sector Leader, Technology discuss the intersection of class actions and Australian consumer law. Together, they explain why consumer law claims are well suited to class action proceedings and explore recent developments involving product defects, consumer guarantees, unfair contract terms and emerging unfair trading practices reforms.

The discussion also considers the role of the ACCC, the growing litigation risk facing businesses that operate at scale, and the practical governance, compliance and complaints handling measures that can help prevent issues escalating into class actions.

To listen, search for "Legal Outlook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. You can also explore the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Ashurst Perkins Coie partners <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/ian-bolster/">Ian Bolster</a>, Head of APAC Dispute Resolution and Class Actions, and <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/people/tihana-zuk/">Tihana Zuk</a>, a consumer and competition law specialist and Regional Sector Leader, Technology discuss the intersection of class actions and Australian consumer law. Together, they explain why consumer law claims are well suited to class action proceedings and explore recent developments involving product defects, consumer guarantees, unfair contract terms and emerging unfair trading practices reforms.
The discussion also considers the role of the ACCC, the growing litigation risk facing businesses that operate at scale, and the practical governance, compliance and complaints handling measures that can help prevent issues escalating into class actions.
To listen, search for "Legal Outlook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. You can also explore the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

Consumer law is becoming an increasingly common driver of class actions. In this episode we explore the legal developments shaping this trend, the areas of greatest risk for businesses, and the practical steps organisations can take to reduce their exposure.

Class Actions and Consumer Law: Managing the Risk

M&A transactions have become increasingly complex over the past decade in a number of ways. Regulatory conditions in particular have become more prevalent and introduce additional execution risk. 

In the latest podcast, Harry and Hayley speak with antitrust and competition law authority, Chris Eberhardt, to get his thoughts on how the UK and EU merger control landscape has evolved and how this is impacting UK public M&A.

The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on our website. The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the second quarter, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarizing the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.

To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for “Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

M&amp;A transactions have become increasingly complex over the past decade in a number of ways. Regulatory conditions in particular have become more prevalent and introduce additional execution risk. 
In the latest podcast, Harry and Hayley speak with antitrust and competition law authority, Chris Eberhardt, to get his thoughts on how the UK and EU merger control landscape has evolved and how this is impacting UK public M&amp;A.
The episode is intended to sit alongside, and complement, our quarterly publication which is available on <a href="https://www.ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/insights/uk-public-ma-update-q2-2026/">our website</a>. The publication looks at key highlights and market developments in the second quarter, as well as relevant legal and regulatory developments. The publication also includes tables summarizing the key features of firm offer announcements made during the quarter.
To listen to this and to subscribe to future episodes in our Takeover Talks miniseries search for &ldquo;Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook&rdquo; on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts.
The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

M&A transactions have become increasingly complex over the past decade in a number of ways. Regulatory conditions in particular have become more prevalent and introduce additional execution risk.

Takeover Talks: The Times They Are A-Changin'

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

The commercial world is always changing and the legal landscape never stands still. Keeping pace with all those changes, and knowing how they affect your organisation, is a big responsibility and a challenging task. Ashurst Legal Outlook will keep you at the forefront of the most pressing legal issues, offering insights from legal experts across our international network.

A podcast series that will keep you across the global trends and local issues that are shaping the legal landscape and impacting organisations.

Ashurst Legal Outlook Podcast

With regulation and legislation constantly shifting, Legal Outlook helps you stay one step ahead. In each episode, we flag legal changes to watch out for, explain what they mean for organizations, and suggest practical ways to respond. Featuring insights from seasoned legal professionals from across our global network.

With regulation and legislation constantly shifting, Legal Outlook helps you stay one step ahead. In each episode, we flag legal changes to watch out for, explain what they mean for organizations, and suggest practical ways to respond. Featuring insights from seasoned legal professionals from across our global network.

Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook

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