Competition/Antitrust
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : New Zealand
Band 1
Contact number
+64 9 367 8000About
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Our Competition practice is highly regarded as pre-eminent in the field of competition and regulatory law in New Zealand. As a top performing, multidisciplinary team, we advise on a large number of high-profile matters, and for a number of high-profile clients, providing expertise across competition litigation, investigations, commercial advisory, merger filings, market studies and law reform, providing an integrated approach to competition, regulatory, consumer and public law which is noted by clients for its seamless, forward-thinking, expert, and strategic advice on these issues.
Our specialist areas of expertise include:
- advice on structuring joint venture and exclusive supply arrangements;
- obtaining clearances and authorisations for mergers;
- responding to investigations and prosecutions by the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC);
- advising clients on market studies conducted by the NZCC;
- working with economic advisers; and
- appearing for defendants in proceedings by the NZCC seeking pecuniary penalties, and on appeals and judicial reviews of NZCC decisions, as well as private competition law litigation between businesses.
Chambers Review
Russell McVeagh's acclaimed multidisciplinary practice is recognised for its assistance to clients in disputes with the Commerce Commission and advice to multinationals on their cross-jurisdictional interactions with regulatory bodies. The firm also offers expertise in both litigation and merger clearance applications in respect of complex M&A transactions, benefiting in both areas from its maintenance of constructive relationships with the regulators. Admired for its impressive client base and consequent familiarity with the widest range of potential issues, it possesses notable experience in the representation of clients from the technological, financial services, transportation, retail and health spheres, plus particular expertise with competition issues in relation to disruptive business models. Notable clients of the firm include Microsoft, Meridian Energy and Woolworths New Zealand.
Work Highlights
- Russell McVeagh advised Microsoft on its application to the Commission for clearance in relation to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Russell McVeagh's client service is excellent. They are uniformly good across the firm and make sure that you are well looked after as a client. It's a super high-quality service."
"Russell McVeagh has an extremely knowledgeable team of experts. They are trusted advisers on key pieces of legislation that impact the business."
"Russell McVeagh's client service is excellent. They are uniformly good across the firm and make sure that you are well looked after as a client. It's a super high-quality service."
"Russell McVeagh has an extremely knowledgeable team of experts. They are trusted advisers on key pieces of legislation that impact the business."
Notable Practitioners
Troy Pilkington's expertise covers the fullest range of practice area mandates, including merger clearances, consumer law investigations and cartel cases.He is based in Auckland.
"Troy is an exceptional lawyer and has quickly become a go-to for all competition law matters, no matter how complex."
"Troy is able to handle very complex and large projects. He has a good team of seniors and juniors behind him, which means the work is done in a very timely way, at a reasonable cost."
Bradley Aburn is building an impressive reputation for his work in the firm's competition, regulatory and public law practice. He advises clients on merger control approvals and antitrust investigations, and offers notable expertise in electricity regulation.
"Bradley was very adept at honing advice for specific departments and levels."
"We have been particularly impressed with Brad's practical, direct and prompt approach to helping us."
Ranked Lawyers at
Russell McVeagh
New Zealand
Members
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Clients
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Fairfax Media Limited
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
IAG
Lion Pty Limited
Meridian Energy Limited
NZME Limited
Pfizer Inc
Spark New Zealand Limited
Woolworths
Industries
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Chemicals
Construction & Materials
Consumer Product Manufacturing
Energy
Food & Drink Producers
Forestry & Paper
Freight
Health Care
Insurance
Media
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Real Estate
Retail
Telecommunications
Utilities