Mark is a highly regarded mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience advising corporates and private equity investors on all aspects of M&A, capital markets transactions, and commercial and business transactions. Mark is a ‘hands on’ lawyer who is available as and when required to help clients navigate transactions in the New Zealand market.
Mark assists both local and international corporates and private equity investors with their cross-border acquisitions, and companies looking to sell their businesses. He has recently acted for leading international corporates such as Brunswick Corporation, CSR, JBS and INX Corporation and leading international private equity funds including Platinum Equity Partners, Allegro Private Equity, Affinity Equity Partners, Sun Capital Partners, Fidelio Capital, Certares Private Equity, and Knighthead Capital Management on acquisitions in New Zealand.
Corporates, SMEs, and start-up companies also seek Mark’s guidance on practical governance issues, director responsibilities, and strategic issues. He regularly acts for a range of listed public companies, analysing and reporting on key corporate governance matters relevant to the board.
Mark is consistently recognised by leading legal directories as a trusted and highly capable adviser in corporate and commercial law. Clients commend his deep understanding of their business and industry, noting his “foundational knowledge” and “solid, timely advice” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025. He is described as “highly trusted” and praised for delivering “excellent legal advice” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024. One client shared that Mark is “a trusted adviser who provides a strong challenge, along with sound guidance” – Chambers Global 2023.
Career highlights
Advised a global software company on a strategic capital raise involving a European investor. The transaction featured complex structuring across jurisdictions, including future ownership options, note conversions, and share class amendments. We managed extensive stakeholder engagement and drafted a comprehensive suite of documents to support the company’s long-term growth and investment readiness.
Advised CSR on the termination and wind-up of NZ Brick Distributors Limited Partnership, a joint venture with Brickworks. The transaction involved complex asset transfers, settlement of financial instruments, and regulatory considerations related to market competition. Led the drafting of termination and sale agreements, facilitating a smooth transition to independent operations for both parties.
Advised JBS on the New Zealand regulatory aspects of its global restructure and NYSE IPO. As a major shareholder in NZX-listed Scott Technology, JBS faced complex Takeovers Code and OIA implications. We secured key exemptions, enabling the restructure and IPO to proceed efficiently while supporting JBS’s global growth and capital strategy.
Advised Tourism Holdings Limited (NZX:thl) on its entry into a Scheme Implementation Deed to merge with Apollo Tourism and Leisure Limited (ASX:ATL) through an Australian Scheme of Arrangement. This was the first takeover of an ASX listed company by a NZX listed company by way of a Scheme of Arrangement.
Advised Vimian Group AB, backed by Fidelio Capital in Sweden, on the acquisition of Kahu Veterinary Distributors Limited. The transaction involved complex structuring, including a locked box and earnout mechanism, and required establishing a local presence, conducting detailed due diligence, and negotiating all transaction documents for a seamless market expansion.
Advised Action Manufacturing LP on its acquisition of the truck body and trailer business of Australian Trailer Solutions Group New Zealand Limited. The transaction involved complex asset transfers, regulatory approvals, and negotiation of key agreements, supporting Action’s strategic goal to diversify its product range and expand in the general freight vehicle manufacturing sector.
Advised Tiny Fund I, LP on the New Zealand aspects of its purchase of 60% of Letterboxd Limited, a global social platform for film discovery and discussion. In conjunction with Tiny’s Canadian counsel, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, advised on New Zealand aspects of the sale including due diligence and drafting the SPA, among other elements of the transaction.
Achievements and recognition
- Recognised, Corporate and M&A, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Tier 1 team, Corporate and M&A, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Highly Regarded, Corporate and M&A, IFLR1000
- Tier 1 team, Corporate and M&A, IFLR1000
- Recognised, Corporate/Commercial, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Corporate/Commercial, Chambers Global
- Recognised, Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice, Best Lawyers
- Recognised, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Best Lawyers