Today at a glance

Australian shares are set for a muted open ahead of an expected RBA rate hike, while a major gold miner rejects a $38b takeover bid.

Banking
ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

+61 488 841 989 NAB Contact Number

The +61 488 841 989 NAB contact number headline indicates that the National Australia Bank (NAB) has made a significant change to its customer service phone number, due to an upgrade or reorganization of its call center operations.
This development matters because it could impact thousands of customers who rely on this number for banking services and support, potentially causing disruptions to their financial transactions and inquiries.
The next step will be to monitor NAB's customer service channels, such as its website and social media, for announcements or updates regarding the change in phone number and any potential impacts on customers.
ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

+61 488 841 989 ANZ Bank Customer Service

The +61 488 841 989 ANZ Bank customer service number has been highlighted in a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC News & Headlines), indicating potential issues with ANZ's customer service operations. This development suggests that ANZ may be facing complaints or concerns from customers regarding its phone-based support, which could impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.
This story matters because it could reflect broader problems with ANZ's customer service, potentially affecting thousands of customers and damaging the bank's reputation.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will release its next quarterly report on banking services, which is expected to provide more detailed information on the number of complaints lodged against ANZ Bank's customer service operations.
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M&A
Yahoo Finance Australia

Australian Shares Flat; Northern Star Resources Rejects Unsolicited Gold Fields Takeover Proposal

Australian shares closed broadly unchanged on Monday at 8,679.70, while Northern Star Resources rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal from Gold Fields worth AU$7.25 in cash per share plus 0.3125 Gold Fields shares. The rejection saw Northern Star shares rise nearly 9% in morning trade. In other news, Reliance Worldwide is drawing interest from multiple suitors, including US-based Masco, and Peet's proposed acquisition by Ingenia Communities Group remains on track despite a revised proposal from Warburg Pincus. Australia's budget deficit for 2025-26 came in at AU$22.3 billion, or 0.8% of gross domestic product, which is AU$6 billion better than estimated. Iran said diplomacy is the only route to resolving its conflict with the US and Israel.
The Northern Star Resources takeover proposal rejection affects shareholders of both companies, who are now left wondering about their future investments. The proposed acquisition also has implications for the Australian mining industry, where consolidation and competition are ongoing concerns.
Investors will be watching to see how Gold Fields responds to the rejection of its takeover proposal, as well as whether Reliance Worldwide receives a formal offer from Masco or another suitor. The proposed acquisition between Peet and Ingenia Communities Group is also expected to progress, despite Warburg Pincus's revised proposal.
SMH.com.au

Australia’s biggest gold miner rejects ‘opportunistic’ $38b takeover offer

Northern Star Resources, Australia's largest gold miner, has rejected a $38 billion takeover bid from South African-based Gold Fields, calling the offer 'highly opportunistic' and undervaluing the company's assets. The board of Northern Star cited jurisdictional risks and operational concerns as reasons for rejecting the deal, which would have created the world's second-largest gold producer. The bid was made on September 14 and valued Northern Star at $38.7 billion, a 22% premium based on both companies' share prices. The rejection comes amid pressure from US-based activist investor Elliott Investment Management to consider a sale or asset divestments. Northern Star has appointed a new CEO, Suresh Vadnagra, who takes the helm next month.
This news is significant for Northern Star Resources shareholders, who would have been affected by the takeover bid and its potential consequences. The deal's rejection also reflects the growing strategic appeal of gold miners in the current market, with investors expecting more merger and acquisition activity in the sector.
Investors will be watching for any further developments or announcements from Northern Star Resources regarding its future plans, particularly given the pressure from Elliott Investment Management to consider a sale or asset divestments. The gold mining industry's performance and market trends will also continue to be closely monitored in light of surging bullion prices and growing strategic appeal.
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Private Equity
The Australian

Iress back in play a year after Blackstone deal fell over

Iress, a leading provider of financial software solutions, has become a takeover target once again after a previous deal with Blackstone fell through last year. This development suggests that Iress's valuation is still attractive to private equity firms or other potential acquirers. The company's strong market position and growth prospects make it an appealing asset for strategic buyers.
The takeover bid could be worth billions of dollars, making it one of the largest deals in Australia's financial services sector this year.
The next concrete step will be the official announcement of the takeover bid, expected to come from a major Australian private equity firm or strategic investor, which will trigger a formal response from Iress's board and potentially lead to a shareholder vote on the deal.
afr.com

KKR, Morrison eye Nasdaq-listed player’s $2b-plus cold storage unit

Nasdaq-listed Lineage is selling its Asia Pacific business for more than $2 billion to a who's who of core-plus infrastructure investors, including private capital giant KKR and New Zealand's Morrison, which have been shortlisted by Macquarie Capital to participate in the auction's second round.
The sale of Lineage's Asia Pacific business for over $2 billion will be significant for the companies involved, with KKR and Morrison competing for a major asset. The deal also highlights the growing interest in infrastructure investments from private capital firms.
Investors will be watching to see which company emerges victorious in the auction, as well as the terms of the sale and whether other bidders enter the fray.
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Venture Capital
No new Venture Capital stories today.
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Capital Markets/IPOs
afr.com

Metrics slashes value of ASX credit funds after audit intervention

Metrics Credit Partners has been forced to write off $160 million from the value of three ASX-listed funds following a months-long dispute with auditors. The firm, which manages around $40 billion, had previously warned of significant differences between unaudited accounts published earlier this month and the finalised financial figures released on Monday.
This news is significant as it affects investors in Metrics' ASX-listed funds, who may see a decline in their investment value. The write-down also raises questions about the firm's accounting practices and its relationship with auditors.
Investors will be watching to see how Metrics Credit Partners addresses the issues raised by the auditor intervention and whether the firm takes any further action to rectify the discrepancies in its financial reporting.
company-announcements.afr.com

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4G - Key to Disclosures

The ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4G refers to a section that outlines key disclosures for listed companies in Australia. This headline suggests that there may be changes or updates being made to these disclosure requirements, which could impact the way companies report their financial performance and operations to investors. The scope of these changes is to be focused on enhancing transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The clarity and consistency of corporate disclosures are crucial for maintaining investor confidence in the Australian stock market, and any changes to Appendix 4G significant implications for listed companies' financial reporting practices.
the release of the updated ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4G, which is expected to occur within the next quarter, and the subsequent implementation timeline for listed companies to comply with the revised disclosure requirements.
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Superannuation
No new Superannuation stories today.
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Regulation
Yahoo Finance Australia

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set for Muted Open Ahead of Expected RBA Rate Hike; Northern Star Resources Rejects Unsolicited Gold Fields Takeover Proposal

The Australian share market is expected to have a muted open on Monday due to the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) anticipated interest rate hike on Tuesday. The RBA's decision comes amid persistent inflation and rising global energy prices, with oil prices increasing by over 1% after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian peace proposal. In corporate news, Northern Star Resources has rejected a takeover proposal from Gold Fields, offering 0.3125 Gold Fields shares plus AU$7.25 in cash per share. The RBA's rate hike is expected to further tighten the economy. Australia's benchmark index fell 0.4%, or 37 points, to close at 8,665 on September 25.
The Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision affects Australian investors and businesses, with a potential rate hike impacting borrowing costs and economic growth. Northern Star Resources' rejection of the Gold Fields takeover proposal also has significant implications for the company's shareholders and its future direction.
Investors will be watching the RBA's interest rate decision on Tuesday to gauge the impact on the economy, while Northern Star Resources' next move is uncertain after rejecting the Gold Fields takeover proposal. The outcome of the Roe Project environmental approval for Ramelius Resources may also have implications for the company's future development plans.
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