Cross-border transactions, trade, and disputes need careful navigation. We’ll help you charter new territory using our local and international knowledge.
As a leading full service law firm, we have experts in every aspect of foreign investment and trade, ensuring that you can get on with business while we take care of the legal details.
We act for corporates, businesses, and individuals seeking to invest in or expand their operations in New Zealand. Our in-depth understanding of the Overseas Investment Act and strong working relationships with the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) (and other regulators) also benefit our clients investing in or entering the New Zealand market. Working together to provide a seamless service for international investors, we can help with:
We are also experts on international trade and investments, international arbitrations, and cross-border litigation.
Our global outlook extends beyond advising on New Zealand’s leading sectors. Many of our lawyers have practised around the world, gaining practical experience and understanding of different legal systems. We have extensive overseas networks which we can use to help you get the advice you need. As a member of the international MinterEllison Legal Group we have access to more than 300 partners and 1300 legal staff across the globe, making us part of the largest law firms in the Asia-Pacific region. This network enables us to provide a full range of legal services to both local and international businesses.
For more information on investing in New Zealand, read our Investing in New Zealand Guide.
View our NZ-UK FTA factsheet summarising UK investment in New Zealand.
Advising DCI on its acquisition of multiple sites in Auckland for the construction, operation and management of a large-scale data centre. Our work has involved site identification, property due diligence, negotiating the heads of agreement, drafting the sale agreement and settlement. Additional complexities include advising on Overseas Investment Act matters to facilitate DCI’s entry into New Zealand, negotiating construction access neighbouring Auckland Council land and securing pre-settlement site access.
Advising leading global hygiene and health company, Essity, on the New Zealand aspects of its acquisition (via scheme of arrangement) of ASX listed Asaleo Care, valued at AUD788 million. Included advice on the OIO approval process, given the significant business presence of the Asaleo Group in New Zealand.
Advising international ice cream company Froneri on its due diligence, competitive bidding process, and negotiations to successfully acquire Fonterra’s $385 million Tip Top ice cream business.
Representing New Zealand based individuals and corporates on cross-border regulatory and white collar investigations and litigation, including acting for a director of international shipping company Stolt-Nielsen in an unsuccessful prosecution by the US Department of Justice for alleged criminal cartel violations in the United States Federal Court.
Advising Campbell Global (a leading global investment manager) and OneFortyOne Plantations Holdings (an Australian forestry company) on their acquisition of 100% of the shares in Nelson Forests Limited. The transaction involved OIO consent and complex property issues relating to the return of land to Māori under a settlement process.
Advising eToro, one of the world’s leading social investment networks, on its launch of various services into the New Zealand market (including crypto trading services), which encompassed various financial regulatory and commercial matters.
Lead construction adviser to international developer, Hengyi Pacific, on all aspects of its procurement, construction, financing, and delivery of the 57-storey luxury ‘The Pacifica’ apartment tower in Auckland’s CBD. Achieving completion in 2021, this tower is New Zealand’s tallest mixed-use development.
Advising major US and independent studios, producers, distribution companies, financiers and investors in the film and television industry. Our experience includes the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Power Rangers series, Spartacus, and the Ash v Evil Dead series.
We are a proud member of World Law Group (WLG) – the most elite global network of independent firms providing borderless collaboration and global expertise.
With more than 90 jurisdictions and 21,000 lawyers professionals globally, the network offers local knowledge and insights best serve clients around the world.
WLG delivers top tier legal solutions across numerous jurisdictions, with consistent and experienced teams working together to provide the exact expertise and resources required to meet clients’ needs.
With an invitation-only membership policy, WLG is comprised of 60 prominent member firms representing multinational clients worldwide.
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