Simon is a Senior Associate in the corporate/commercial group in our Auckland office.  Simon's practice encompasses most areas of commercial law, with a special emphasis on telecommunications and information technology.  Simon provides legal advice to software and hardware suppliers, network utilities and infrastructure companies, as well as to service providers and major customers in the utilities and technology sectors. 

Simon's experience in the telecommunications sector includes negotiating arrangements for equipment procurement, installation, maintenance and support for an open access broadband network, as well as preparing related access and customer arrangements.  Simon has acted for network utilities in respect of major maintenance outsourcing projects as well as procurement and customer/supplier arrangements.  Information technology projects Simon has been involved in include software supply and support arrangements and negotiating contact centre agreements. 

Simon has also been involved in a number of business acquisitions and dispositions (including undertaking significant due diligences) and MBOs, as well as (re)structuring new and existing businesses. 

• Advising Auckland International Airport on various telecommunications network issues, including access arrangements and cell site licensing (2005-2007)
• Advising Mighty River Power on telecommunications network procurement and implementation (2006-2007)
• Acting for various private equity ventures in relation to the acquisition of New Zealand assets and businesses (2005-2007)
• Advising Compass Communications on wholesale and customer arrangements (2006-2007)
• Management buy-out of AW Fraser division of MCK Group Holdings (2006)
• Counties Power's disposition of its 'Wired Country' telecommunications business (2005)
• Pencarrow Private Equity's acquisition of a majority stake in Rishworth Aviation (2005)
• Management buy-out of MCK Metals division of MCK Group Holdings (2004)
• Ericsson's disposal of its Napier data research division to an overseas investor (2004)
• United Water's acquisition of Anglian Water's New Zealand subsidiary, which operates the Wellington water and wastewater treatment plant (2004)
• Northpower's acquisition of various lines maintenance businesses (2004 – 2006)
• Vero's acquisition of Autosure (2004)
• DHL's "express couriers" joint venture with New Zealand Post (2004)
• Advising Counties Power on the roll-out of its fibre and wireless 'Wired Country' telecommunications network (2003)