APA Group sparked life into the equity raisings market on Thursday with a $300 million placement to fund an acquisition. It was the biggest raising announced this week.

■ APA Group announced a $300 million institutional placement led by RBS Equity Capital Markets. The capital raising was announced along with news APA would acquire the Emu Downs Wind Farm in Western Australia for $171 million. New shares were to be placed at $3.85 each, an 8.1 per cent discount to the adjusted last closing price of $4.19. Major shareholder Petronas, which holds a 17.6 per cent stake, indicated it would subscribe for its pro-rate interest in the placement.