Private Equity & Venture Capital

Private equity and venture capital arrangements are an important source of funding for companies requiring capital for strategic investments or facility upgrades.

We have been involved in the private equity and venture capital industry in New Zealand since its inception. We have advised on many of New Zealand's most notable private equity and venture capital transactions, with a particular reputation for advising offshore investors.

Our experience includes advice on the establishment, structuring, funding, and management of private equity and venture capital funds. We advise on leveraged and management buyouts and exit strategies, including public offerings and trade sale.

Our private equity and venture capital group draws upon expert support from our wider specialist teams throughout the firm to support clients’ growth objectives and tackle any issues that arise.

Our legal expertise is supplemented by close involvement in relevant industry initiatives and organisations. We are an active member, participant and a founding sponsor of New Zealand Private Capital.

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.

Work Highlights

Adamantem Capital

We acted for Adamantem Capital alongside Ashurst on the sale by Adamantem and Downer of their investment in Linen Services Australia, Ensign and Taylors Laundries to a private equity fund managed by Macquarie Asset Management.

We acted for Adamantem Capital on its acquisition of Evnex, a designer, builder, and installer of smart EV chargers.

Aspire2

We acted for Archer Capital on the disposal of its interest in Aspire2, one of New Zealand’s largest vocational and training businesses in New Zealand, to River Capital.

Wet & Forget

We advised the founders of Wet & Forget on the sale to Direct Capital.

Liverpool Partners

We acted for Inspire Impact (part of the Liverpool Partners group of funds) as lead investor in Mint Innovation’s Series C capital raise.

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.

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 The Mind Lab

We acted for Liverpool Partners on its acquisition of 50% of the limited partnership interest in The Mind Lab, a technology-driven education platform.