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Corporate and M&A
The early 2020s saw an unprecedented boom in New Zealand’s M&A market, reflecting international trends. And even in the current period of economic uncertainty, quality New Zealand assets remain attractive to local and international investors.
Our corporate law team is renowned for providing expert, yet practical, advice to a wide range of New Zealand and international clients undertaking major transactions. We have particular expertise in overseas investment into New Zealand.
Our track record is extensive, ranging from everyday transactions to the noteworthy deals of recent years.
We have advised on many of the landmark transactions in New Zealand's corporate history and regularly work on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional deals for clients across a wide range of industries.
Guide for international investors
Our Investing in Aotearoa New Zealand Guide provides a concise introduction to New Zealand's business and trading environment, with particular focus on legal and regulatory matters.
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Recognised as a top tier firmClients have this to say: "Proactive and engaging people who are quick thinkers and are prepared to deal quickly with any issues." |
Work Highlights
Alliance Group
Alliance Group’s proposed strategic partnership with Dawn Meats, with the European red meat processor investing NZ$250 million for a 65% stake, subject to shareholder, High Court and regulatory approvals.
The a2 Milk Company
Acting for The a2 Milk Company on strategic transactions, including:
- NZ$282 million acquisition of Yashili New Zealand;
- NZ$217.8 million capital raise by Synlait, supported by The a2 Milk Company;
- $110 million sale of 75% share in Mataura Valley Milk’s Pokeno processing plant and the divestment of its 75% stake in Mataura Valley Milk.
Wet & Forget
Sale of leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of outdoor and indoor household cleaning products, n its multi-jurisdictional business to Direct Capital.
Comvita
Comvita’s proposed $56.4 million Scheme of Arrangement with Florenz, with shareholder voting expected in November 2025.
Bourns, Inc
Acting for Bourns, Inc. on the $356 million takeover offer for Rakon Limited.
Matariki Forests
We acted for Rayonier Inc. (alongside Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz) on the USD710 million (NZ$1.2 billion) sale of its 77% shareholding in Matariki Forests.
Establishment of Auckland Future Fund
Establishment of the Auckland Future Fund for Auckland Council and the $1.32 billion block trade of 9.71% of Auckland International Airport.
Sale of Kiwibank
We advised ACC on the sale of its 22% interest in Kiwibank’s parent company in a deal which values the bank at $2.1 billion. M&A Deal of the Year, 2023 NZ Law Awards.
Acquisition of Fonterra's Chilean dairy business
We advised Gloria Foods on its $1.055 billion acquisition of Fonterra’s Chilean dairy business. M&A Deal of the Year, 2024 NZ Law Awards.
Investment in New Zealand Rugby
We acted for New Zealand Rugby in relation to the $200 million investment by Silverlake, a world-first transaction in the field of private investment in sport.
Sale of Auckland International Airport shares
Acting on the $833 million strategic sale and block trade of 7% of Auckland International Airport held by Auckland Council. Equity Market Deal of the Year, 2024 NZ Law Awards.
Sale of 2degrees’ cellphone towers
We advised on the landmark sale of 2degrees’ cellphone towers to independent mobile tower company, Connexa for $1.076 billion. The deal merges the tower networks of 2degrees and Spark under the Connexa brand.
Merger of Orcon and 2degrees
Simpson Grierson advised on the $ 1.7 billion merger of Orcon (formerly Vocus NZ) and 2degrees, through the acquisition by Voyage Digital (NZ) Limited of the Orcon and 2degrees businesses. We acted for Voyage Digital on this deal which transformed New Zealand’s telco sector.
We previously acted for Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets & Aware Super on the New Zealand aspects of its acquisition of Vocus Group for AUD$3.5 billion.
Heritage Lifecare sale and leaseback
We advised Heritage Lifecare, owned by Adamantem Capital, on a $291 million sale and leaseback transaction involving Heritage group’s NZ aged care property assets to Centuria Capital.
Takeover of Restaurant Brands
We acted for Finaccess Capital on its $885 million takeover of Restaurant Brands.
Acquisition of UDC
We advised Shinsei Bank on its acquisition of UDC Finance from ANZ Bank New Zealand Ltd for $760 million.
Acquisition of Westland Milk
We acted for Inner Mongolia Yili Group on its acquisition of Westland Milk Co-operative.
Acquisition of Vodafone New Zealand
We acted for underwriters on Infratil’s $400 million capital raising to partially fund the $3.4 billion acquisition of Vodafone NZ.
