Overview

Developing the correct strategy for a bidder, target or majority shareholder requires speed, depth of experience, a practical approach and sound judgement.

We understand public M&A

We understand the demands of public M&A and have built a strong reputation in this area as a result.
We have been involved in all aspects of Takeovers Code offers and schemes of arrangement advising target companies, bidders, majority shareholders and independent directors.

We have great relationships with the Takeovers Panel, the Financial Markets Authority and NZ RegCo which helps to facilitate constructive conversations on technical issues – from 'no-names' initial discussions through to obtaining complex waivers and exemptions.

We can support you at every stage

Our team can support you with all aspects of your public M&A transactions including in relation to:

  • Negotiating and drafting pre-bid commitment arrangements
  • Voting and lock-up agreements
  • Preparing takeover offers and target company responses
  • Scheme documentation and process management
  • Advising bidders and the independent directors of target companies on both friendly and hostile bids
  • Securing exemptions from the Takeovers Code, FMCA and NZX Listing Rules
  • Appearing on behalf of clients before the Takeovers Panel.
Market recognition

Market recognition

"Good solid team - what I mean is that this team is highly dependable in terms of delivery timeframes and quality of work is high. The team is highly motivated and driven and that comes through. They keep everything in a simple language so we, as clients, understand complex issues well. The team has a good balance of young as well as experienced associates and partners." - Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
"Great detail and technical nuances, but adept at standing back and looking at the big picture, what actually matters and what actually drives value." - Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
Experience

Experience

Sector/Expertise

Work highlights

Work highlights

Sixth Street

We advised Sixth Street as part of a consortium with BGH Capital in relation to the consortium's NZ$1.63b successful acquisition of NZX and ASX-listed Pushpay Holdings by way of scheme of arrangement.

Infratil

We advised Infratil in relation to its initial takeover offer for NZX listed Tilt Renewables, and subsequent sale of its majority shareholding in Tilt Renewables, which was undertaken by way of a NZ$3.24b scheme of arrangement. Read more.

MHM Automation

We advised NZX listed MHM Automation in relation to its takeover by Betcher Industries, Inc. by way of scheme of arrangement.

Takeover offer and scheme documentation

We have acted for numerous potential and actual bidders in preparing takeover offer and scheme documentation on a variety of control transactions taken to various stages of negotiation and documentation but not ultimately completed.

Pioneer Energy

We advised Pioneer Energy (together with Buller Electricity) on its successful takeover of Pulse Energy.

Sky Television

We advised NZX listed Sky Television on:

  • Its proposed NZ$3.4b merger with One New Zealand (formerly Vodafone New Zealand)
  • Its merger with INL by way of a court approved scheme of arrangement.
Our team

Our team