Corporate/Commercial
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : New Zealand
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+64 9 353 9700About
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Corporate and Commercial team is one of the largest in New Zealand.
The multi-disciplinary commercial team combines specialist regulatory, competition and commercial lawyers. The Corporate and M&A team has a depth of experience at all levels and advises on some of the most complex transactions in the market. The team can also efficiently and effectively resource simpler transactions, so that clients know they are getting the best advice, irrespective of the size of the transaction.
Providing a personalised approach to clients from start-up New Zealand companies to multinational businesses, the team offers innovative and commercial solutions whether it’s working on a strategic transaction or a day-to-day business matter.
The team acts on several international transactions, and is well placed to manage simultaneous work streams across multiple firms and locations.
- Advised Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc on its acquisition of 100% of the shares in Partners Group Holdings Limited.
- Advised Fonterra Co-Operative Group on the divestment its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company, Gloria Foods.
- Advised Tourism Holdings Limited on its merger with Apollo Tourism and Leisure.
Chambers Review
MinterEllisonRuddWatts' well-established practice offers broad capabilities across a range of M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance and ECM transactions. Its corporate team is engaged on complex matters for significant domestic and international clients, and has an established reputation advising private equity clients on acquisitions and disposals. Its experience spans multiple industry sectors, including food and beverages, manufacturing and mining.
Work Highlights
- MinterEllisonRuddWatts advised Tiny on the New Zealand aspects of its purchase of 60% of Letterboxd.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The MinterEllisonRuddWatts team are extremely dedicated to getting the job done. If there is a deadline that needs to be hit, they will hit it every time."
"MinterEllisonRuddWatts was able to provide a commercial lens on the negotiation process over and above the legal review."
"The MinterEllisonRuddWatts team are extremely dedicated to getting the job done. If there is a deadline that needs to be hit, they will hit it every time."
"MinterEllisonRuddWatts was able to provide a commercial lens on the negotiation process over and above the legal review."
Notable Practitioners
Cathy Quinn is a deeply experienced practitioner, noted not only for her stewardship of numerous major M&A transactions, but also as an adviser to key government agencies on corporate and commercial, capital markets and securities-related issues. Now acting as a consultant in the firm's Auckland office, she continues to advise on aspects of the team's more complex mandates.
Mark Forman is based in Auckland and frequently acts as an adviser to financial services providers, private equity houses and listed companies in relation to corporate transactions.
"Mark is highly experienced with a strong commercial acumen which allows him to not only understand the legal intricacies of corporate law but also to provide strategic advice."
"Mark Forman is pragmatic in his advice and communicates in a style and manner that the board and management find easy to follow."
Neil Millar operates across a broad corporate and commercial spectrum but is particularly well known for assisting private equity clients in relation to their acquisitions. He is based in Auckland.
"Neil Millar is a top-tier commercial lawyer and is our go-to person in Auckland."
Mark Stuart acts extensively in relation to corporate acquisitions and disposals, as well as offering noted experience in capital raisings. He is based in Auckland.
"Mark Stuart has worked with the wider business for a very long time and has foundational knowledge of our business, industry and clients. He is always available to provide solid, timely advice."
John Conlan heads the firm's corporate and commercial practice in Wellington and counts domestic and international financial institutions, as well as the New Zealand government among his clientele.
"John Conlan is exceptionally good at getting great outcomes for his customers. He is very knowledgeable in creating commercial agreements that help secure value and manage risk."
"John has a great demeanour and has been crucial in keeping our board and management aligned throughout a complex transaction."
Ranked Lawyers at
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
New Zealand
Members
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Isaac Stewart
John Conlan
Head of Department
Head of Department
Rodney Craig
Sarah Salmond
Tom Maasland
Clients
Provided by MinterEllisonRuddWatts
ANZ Bank
Dai-ichi Life Holdings
Fonterra Co-Operative Group
Metlifecare Retirement Villages
Next Capital
ORA Hong Kong
Southern Cross Healthcare
The Treasury
Tourism Holdings
Westpac Bank