Rob has expertise across a wide range of commercial transactions and advisory matters, including capital raisings, joint ventures, corporate restructuring, M&A and high-value commercial contracts. Rob’s commercial expertise includes a strong understanding of finance, regulatory and offshore structuring aspects.

Rob has acted on transactions in a broad variety of sectors, with additional specialist expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure.  He advised on the structure, development and funding of New Zealand’s earliest utility-scale solar generation facilities, and regularly advises project developers and other renewables sector participants. Rob also advised on the structuring and establishment of Australia’s first privately-funded virtual solar power plant.

Rob has significant overseas experience gained from practice in Australia and the UK, including in the energy and resources and infrastructure sectors, and enjoys being able to provide international perspectives and networks to clients. 

Rob is known for his pragmatic approach, technical expertise and collaborative mindset. He has a reputation for building strong, collaborative and long-term relationships. 

Rob is a member of the NZLS Commercial Law Committee and NZLS Climate Law Subcommittee, and an appointed board member of Squash Auckland. 

Work Highlights

Advising Lodestone Energy on its capital raising and development of 5 utility-scale solar generation facilities (approx $300 million).

Acting for 2degrees on the $1.076 billion sale of its passive cellphone tower assets to mobile tower company, Connexa.

Advising a UK-based renewable energy developer on its entry into the New Zealand market, including structuring and initial engagement with potential JV partners.

Acting for a Saudi Arabian oil and resources conglomerate on its group corporate restructure and equity funding arrangements in preparation for potential public listing.

Advising a Japan-Australia investment group on its acquisition of significant interests in 2 unincorporated JVs holding significant offshore oil and gas assets (approx. $250 million) from a major Australian oil and gas company.

Advising a large national insurance company on a series of 10 strategic investments in early stage companies by way of seed capital and series A rounds, including development of standardised investment documentation.

Advising a national healthcare services business on its acquisition of a series of 5 automated retrieval and storage systems for installation at its facilities, and on developing a world-first outsourced services contract for critical hospital services.

Advising Jupiter Mines Limited on its sale of iron ore mining tenement assets to its wholly owned subsidiary, an in-specie distribution of shares to shareholders, and listing of the new spin-out entity on the ASX, including foreign investment approval.

Advising a leading Australian JV forestry participant on its rights under a complex long-term contract for supply of log timber, including detailed analysis of contract terms for market price reviews, force majeure impacts on supply obligations and other disputed contractual matters.

A series of 8 strategic private company acquisitions for a large financial services business over an 8 month timeframe in the context of a proposed IPO, including all due diligence and reporting, negotiation of all sale documentation and debt finance instruments, all transaction documentation and managing the signing and completion process for each successful acquisition.

Acting for the independent board committee of Apollo Private Equity in respect of a related party transaction to acquire an interest in Athene, the world’s fourth largest fixed annuities insurance provider (approx. $250 million).

Advising the purchaser of a $450 million hotels portfolio servicing a landmark Australian tourism attraction, including negotiations with competing hotel operator groups and complex post-acquisition transition and integration aspects.

Advising a leading private equity group on a series of strategic acquisitions for its fund focussed on the mining services sector, including negotiation of share sale agreements and asset purchase agreements, due diligence and deal execution.

Areas of Expertise

Insights & News