VENTURE CAPITAL POST

First introduced by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the ban on government investment on wind power was lifted as part of Malcolm Turnbull's innovation agenda. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is now able, due to Environmental Minister Greg Hunt's new orders, to spend the $10 billion on new wind power projects.

London, UK-based innovation hub TrueStart raised $5 million in a seed funding round to invest in 20 retail and consumer startups in Europe every year and provide them with legal and recruitment support.

Melbourne, Victoria-based financial planning firm Financial Index Wealth Accountants (Findex) agreed to take over Sydney, New South Wales-based high net worth advisory company Centric Wealth Ltd for an unconfirmed amount.

Melbourne, Victoria-based diamond mining firm Merlin Diamonds raised $2 million by selling 26 million of its shares at $0.75 apiece to Singapore-based investment holding firm Blumont Group for the development of its diamond mine in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Victoria, Australia-based truck and trailer parts supplier MaxiPARTS acquired Wagga Wagga, New South Wales-based vehicle spare parts seller RW International Parts for an undisclosed amount to expand its retail network in the country.

Australia-based funds management group Alceon has acquired two shopping centers from Mirvac Group in a deal valued at $100 million as part of the listed group's non-core disposal program.

Australian natural gas giant APA Group entered an agreement to acquire the rest of distribution firm Envestra Ltd after increasing its offer to around AU$1.4 billion ($1.3 billion).

Fairfax Media Ltd, the leading diversified media firm in Australia, has purchased property data and mapping company Property Data Solutions Pty Ltd for approximately USD30 million.

Dairy farmer Geoff Akers, the new chair of Dairy Australia, says the surge in takeover bids for milk processing companies is a good change for the industry.

Australian diversified company Abacus Property Group raised USD75 million in a share sale, the proceeds of which would be used to more properties in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.