Australian law firm Allens is advising Vicinity Centres on a A$1.4 billion (US$1 billion) capital raising to strengthen the shopping center owner’s balance sheet.

The capital raising comprises a fully underwritten A$1.2 billion placement and a securities purchase plan targeting to raise up to A$200 million, with the proceeds to be used to reduce debt and strengthen Vicinity’s balance sheet, Allens said in a statement.