Best Merger & Acquisition Lawyers in New Zealand

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

Financing Futures
Auckland, New Zealand

Founded in 2011
English
Financing Futures, based in Nelson, New Zealand, serves clients across New Zealand and Australia. The firm focuses on home ownership, property investment, business finance, life insurance and general insurance, supported by a team of experienced staff who bring deep knowledge of the local property...
Young Hunter Lawyers
Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1932
29 people in their team
English
Young Hunter Lawyers is a Christchurch based, long established firm founded in 1932 by Henry Austen Young, with Hugh Hunter joining the partnership seven years later. The firm has built a lasting reputation for practical, client focused legal services across commercial and civil matters, supported...
The Mortgage Centre
Rotorua, New Zealand

Founded in 1996
English
The Mortgage Centre, established in 1996, is one of Rotorua's oldest mortgage broking firms, offering comprehensive mortgage and lending services across Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taupo. Their team of eight highly experienced, award-winning financial advisors specializes in assisting...
Shirley Law
Christchurch, New Zealand

English
Shirley Law has been providing legal assistance to the Shirley community for over 20 years, reflecting deep local knowledge and a commitment to practical outcomes.Shirley Law's team of experienced professionals offers a broad range of services including conveyancing, elder law, wills and estates,...
Cooney Lees Morgan
Tauranga, New Zealand

Founded in 1918
200 people in their team
Māori
English
WELCOME TO COONEY LEES MORGANCooney Lees Morgan is a full service law firm based in Tauranga, New Zealand. Founded in 1918, the firm has grown to become one of New Zealand’s leading law firms. Currently there are over 90 staff, including 48 lawyers and 9 partners. The firm is organised into four...
Gurnell Harrison Stanley Law
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
Personal. Straight Up. Affordable. Gurnell Harrison Stanley provides legal advice to a wide range of business, rural, not-for-profit, trust and individual clients throughout New Zealand.  Based in Hamilton, our firm specialises in business and property law. We bring extensive...
Rainey Collins Lawyers
Wellington, New Zealand

Founded in 1919
50 people in their team
Māori
English
Our FirmSee and hear about how we look after our clients and delight them with our service, as we celebrate our 100th anniversary. A captioned video is also available below.Current PositionThis three partner, thirteen lawyer firm is organised into three broad teams supervised by the partners. ...
Grayson Clements
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
As trusted advisors to successful people and businesses in good times and bad, we champion our clients' interests, locally and globally. We are proud to help many of our clients use their success to make the world a better place.We advise individuals, families, businesses, government, educational...
Tompkins Wake
Hamilton, New Zealand

Founded in 1922
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Our FirmAs a leading New Zealand law firm, we believe in the power of collaboration. We know that when our collective knowledge, specialisation and expertise combine in a collaborative environment, we create exceptional outcomes for our clients.We gain immense satisfaction from working together to...

12 people in their team
English
Doyle Accountants is a Cambridge-based chartered accountancy firm in New Zealand that positions itself as a partner rather than a vendor. The firm emphasizes delivering more than numbers with a mission to provide personalised, proactive, and strategic financial guidance.Led by Tim Doyle, the...
AS SEEN ON

About Merger & Acquisition Law in New Zealand

Merger and Acquisition (M&A) law in New Zealand involves the consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions. These include mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, tender offers, purchase of assets, and management acquisitions. New Zealand has a robust legal framework to regulate M&A activities, ensuring that they are conducted fairly and transparently, while promoting healthy competition and economic growth. The New Zealand Commerce Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing mergers and acquisitions to prevent any anti-competitive practices that might arise from such transactions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer experienced in M&A is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape involved in these transactions. Common situations where you might need legal assistance include:

  • Understanding regulations: M&A transactions are subject to numerous legal requirements, and a lawyer can help you to understand and comply with these regulations.
  • Due diligence: A lawyer can conduct thorough due diligence to identify potential risks and liabilities associated with a transaction.
  • Negotiating terms: Lawyers can help negotiate transaction terms to ensure that the deal is structured favorably and within legal parameters.
  • Drafting agreements: Legal professionals are skilled at drafting and reviewing agreements to protect your interests and minimize risks.
  • Handling disputes: In the event of disputes, a lawyer can offer legal strategies and represent you in litigation or arbitration proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of local laws relevant to M&A in New Zealand include:

  • Commerce Act 1986: This act governs competition law in New Zealand, with special provisions to prevent mergers that significantly reduce competition in any market.
  • Companies Act 1993: This legislation outlines the legal requirements for companies, including aspects of merger transactions, corporate governance, and more.
  • Takeovers Code Approval Order 2000: Oversees the takeover of "code companies" in New Zealand, aiming to ensure fair treatment of shareholders.
  • Overseas Investment Act 2005: Regulates investments by overseas persons, with requirements for certain M&A transactions that involve overseas entities.
  • Investment screening: Certain transactions are subject to a review process to protect national interests and sensitive sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the New Zealand Commerce Commission in M&A?

The Commerce Commission is responsible for enforcing competition laws related to mergers and acquisitions, ensuring that transactions do not lead to anti-competitive practices.

Do I need approval from the Commerce Commission for all mergers?

Not all mergers require approval. However, if a merger could substantially lessen competition, it must be authorized by the Commerce Commission.

How does the Takeovers Code affect M&A processes?

The Takeovers Code applies to certain companies and mandates principles for conducting takeovers, ensuring transparency and fairness for all shareholders involved.

Are there special requirements for foreign investors in M&A deals?

Yes, foreign investors may need to obtain consent under the Overseas Investment Act for certain transactions, particularly those involving sensitive assets or businesses.

What is due diligence, and why is it important?

Due diligence involves investigating and assessing a company’s liabilities, assets, contracts, and financial obligations to identify potential risks and inform decision-making in M&A deals.

Can mergers be challenged after the deal is closed?

Yes, post-closure challenges can occur, especially if there were misrepresentations, failure to disclose vital information, or breaches of the transaction agreements.

What are the tax implications of M&A in New Zealand?

M&A transactions can have significant tax implications, such as GST, income tax, and stamp duties. Engaging tax professionals in the process is essential for compliance and optimization.

How long does it typically take to complete a merger or acquisition?

The duration of an M&A process varies widely, depending on factors like deal complexity, the readiness of the parties, regulatory approvals, and due diligence.

Can M&A transactions impact employees?

Yes, employees can be affected, often through changes in management, restructuring, or changes in employment terms, which are governed by employment law protections.

What happens if a merger is rejected by the regulator?

If a merger is blocked by the Commerce Commission or other regulatory bodies, the parties cannot proceed with the transaction unless they address the issues causing the rejection.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources to consider:

  • New Zealand Commerce Commission: Provides guidance on competition laws and merger applications.
  • Takeovers Panel of New Zealand: Offers resources and guidance on takeover procedures and compliance.
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE): Offers information on corporate and commercial law, including M&A regulations.
  • Overseas Investment Office: Guides foreign investors on compliance with the Overseas Investment Act.
  • Professional legal associations: Engaging with legal professionals through networks such as the New Zealand Law Society can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Next Steps

If you are considering a merger or acquisition, it is prudent to seek legal advice early in the process. Here are some steps to guide you:

  1. Identify your needs: Clearly define the goals and specific requirements of your M&A transaction.
  2. Engage with a lawyer: Contact a lawyer experienced in M&A in New Zealand to discuss your plans and seek preliminary advice.
  3. Prepare documentation: Gather all necessary documents and information that may be required for due diligence and legal compliance checks.
  4. Conduct due diligence: Work with your lawyer to perform a thorough evaluation of the potential transaction to identify risks and opportunities.
  5. Negotiate effectively: Use your legal counsel to negotiate terms that protect your interests and ensure regulatory compliance.
  6. Final Review: Proceed with the legal review of all documentation before finalizing any agreements or commitments.
  7. Submission and Compliance: Ensure all required submissions for regulatory approvals are completed and follow appropriate compliance protocols.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in New Zealand through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Merger & Acquisition, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

Get a quote from top-rated law firms in New Zealand — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.