MICHAEL PENEVSKI
Managing Partner
As the Founder of Land and Development Australia, I bring over two decades of expertise in law, investment banking, and real estate development. I've navigated the nuances of these sectors with a keen eye for innovation. My advisory expertise includes private equity, joint ventures, project development, fund & asset management, mergers & acquisitions, and divestments.
Collaborating with industry giants across US, UK, Asia, and ANZ, including with JPMorgan Chase, Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, UBS, CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle, Colliers International, Centaline Property Agency, Midland Holdings, and PropNex, I've honed a skill set highly valued by real estate-focused clients.
Expertise Snapshot:
-
Capital Raising & Structuring (equity & debt)
-
Private Equity
-
Joint Ventures
-
Fund & Asset Management
-
Mergers & Acquisitions
-
Divestments
-
Major Project Development
-
Professional Advisory
Vision and Leadership Philosophy:
It is essential to recognize that no company can be sustained solely by one individual. Singular leadership isn't enough. The collective strength of our partners takes precedence. My leadership philosophy champions collaboration over individualism, creating a genuine ecosystem of partnership and collaboration. What truly matters is supporting our clients in their success.
Collaboration in Action:
Embracing a philosophy that prioritizes the collective over the individual, I advocate for keeping ego in check during business interactions. My focus lies in understanding how I can effectively serve the best interests of my clients, cultivating a true ecosystem of partnership. The goal isn't just successfully executing matters, but doing so with a mindset that values long term cooperation over short term gains.
Leadership Roles:
-
Managing Partner at Exela Capital Investment Bank.
(North & South America, Europe, MENA, ASIA, & APAC)
-
Managing Partner at Land & Development United Kingdom.
(London, Birmingham, Manchester, & Liverpool)
-
Managing Partner at Land & Development Australia.
(Sydney, Melbourne, & Brisbane)
-
Principal Partner at Property Solicitors Australia Law Firm.
(Sydney & Melbourne)
-
Former CEO (Corporate & Projects Advisory) at Nexus Law Group (now 'Arch Law').
(Sydney, Melbourne, & Brisbane)
-
Former CEO at APAI Capital.
(Australia, Singapore, & Hong Kong)
Michael is focused on delivering a full suite of professional services to domestic and international public/private real estate developers, REIT’s, hotel operators, real estate focused funds, public/private institutional investors, family offices, and UHNW clients. More specifically, his focus is on working with clients that have ownership interests in Australian real estate assets and are seeking to divest assets, augment portfolios, expand development activities, secure joint venture partnerships, or to secure and/or deploy capital for real estate focused opportunities.
Our Core Focus:
-
Project Capital (Private Equity and Debt Finance): Unlock the potential of real estate projects with our tailored financial solutions, combining private equity and debt finance to fuel growth and maximize returns.
-
Acquisition Capital (Private Equity and Debt Finance): Navigate the complexities of real estate acquisitions with confidence, leveraging our expertise in private equity and debt finance to drive successful transactions.
-
Mergers & Acquisitions (Divestment and Acquisition Mandates): Navigate divestment and acquisition mandates seamlessly, with our team providing strategic insights and execution excellence in the ever-evolving M&A landscape.
-
Joint Venture (Structuring): Explore collaborative opportunities through structured joint ventures, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships that amplify success in every venture.
-
Transactions (Disposal Mandates): Efficiently manage disposal mandates, optimizing transactions for maximum value and ensuring a seamless process from initiation to completion.
-
Advisory (Capital Markets Advisory, Private Capital Advisory, Debt Advisory and Restructuring, Joint Venture Advisory): Benefit from our comprehensive advisory services, covering capital markets, private capital, debt restructuring, and joint venture strategies, all designed to elevate your investment approach.
Experienced Leadership
ABOUT US
FASTER & BETTER.
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT.
Our Story
Company Timeline
2004
The inception of APAI: 'Australasian Property & Asset Investments' (now Land & Development Australia) marks the beginning of a visionary journey. Over the next two years, extensive research, development, and strategic expansion take place across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.
2005 - 2006
The establishment of APAI in Hong Kong signifies a pivotal moment. Serving as the Asian hub, APAI aims to raise capital for Australian property developers while catering to Asian markets' demand for Australian residential off-plan apartments and commercial office-grade assets. With a particular focus on the Mainland Chinese investor market, APAI targets private UHNW clients, institutional investors, family offices, REITs, and property-focused funds.
2007
With a particular focus on securing private equity, and the off-plan project marketing of Australian apartments to the Asian investor market, strategic alliances are forged with leading capital and property institutions across Asia, solidifying APAI in the region. Partnerships with renowned entities such as JP Morgan Chase, Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, UBS, CBRE, Jones Lang LaSalle, Colliers International, Centaline Property Agency, Midland Holdings, and Propnex Realty further enhance the company's capabilities and reach.
2008
APAI is formally incorporated in Australia, heralding a new era of growth and collaboration. The company cements partnerships with over 100 public and private residential, commercial, and mixed-use Australian property developers. Amidst the global financial crisis, APAI plays a critical role in facilitating transactions, assisting 70+ developers, and placing 200+ off-plan projects in Asian markets. At a time when domestic banks in Australia tighten lending parameters, the company introduces Australian developers to Asian capital providers, mitigating the impact of the crisis.
2009 - 2012
Undeterred by challenges, APAI continues to forge strategic partnerships across Asia and Australia. By 2012, the company solidifies relationships with over 200 Australian property developers, fostering cross-border capital, joint venture, and development opportunities.
2013 - 2014
Adapting to changing market dynamics, the company navigates shifts in international investment regulations. With the Chinese government imposing stricter capital controls, APAI pivots to focus on building a domestic network of professionals in Australia. Structuring a referral partner network of over 3,000 accountants, financial advisors, and real estate agents nationwide, APAI focuses on its project marketing efforts while leveraging its newly established domestic referral network to access the domestic investor markets.
2015 - 2018
The company reaffirms its commitment to core business offerings, emphasizing domestic and Asian project marketing sales, identifying development sites and distressed assets on behalf of developer mandates, structuring capital and joint venture partnerships, and expanding its client base across Australia and Asia.
2019 - 2023
The company ceases its project marketing activities to focus on providing finance, joint venture, and advisory services to Australian property developers and property focused clients.
2024
With a focus on domestic activities, APAI rebrands to Land & Development Australia. Positioned for further growth, Land & Development Australia embarks on a domestic expansion strategy. This strategic move is accompanied by a restructuring to incorporate additional equity partners across the key Australian states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. With a renewed focus on becoming a premier full-service real estate finance, transaction, and advisory firm, the company aims to expand nationally while serving Australian focused real estate developers and real estate focused clients.