The NSW government has made a surprise appointment by tapping law firm Allens to assist with an auction of its $16.8 billion WestConnex roads project.
Street Talk understands while the unusual appointment shuns rival law firm Ashurst (which conducted the scoping study), it may still deliver Ashurst a limited role in the sale process.
Still it's Allens that lines up with investment bank Goldman Sachs to manage the WestConnex auction.
The firm's front-and-centre spot on the ticket would have been helped by its role in advising the state government on three bumper divestments of poles and wires assets.
The NSW government wants to sell at least a 51 per cent stake in the WestConnex project before construction of the third and final stage begins next year.
It's understood the sale process - which bankers expect to be worth more than $10 billion - will be up and running later this year.
Banks and law firms are looking to align with bidding groups to ensure they have a role in the auction. Listed tollroad owner Transurban Group has already flagged its interest.
