Banking & Finance
Headed by Paul Farrugia, the banking and finance team at Buddle Findlay advises clients such as New Zealand banks, domestic branches of overseas banks, non-bank financial institutions and corporations. The practice has a strong focus on the development of lending structures for institutional agriculture customers and project financiers. Peter Owles acted for Affinity Equity Partners in its acquisition of Nine Live from Nine Entertainment. “Simon Jensen has genuine expertise in banking and financial services, knows all the players, is highly strategic, has a finger very much on the pulse when it comes to future thinking and developments and has strong relationship skills,” says a client. “Adam Jackson is commercial and pragmatic,” adds another client. “Miriam Andrews is very passionate about what she does and a good recent promotion to partner by the firm,” says another client.
Capital Markets
With the transition to the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, Buddle Findlay’s corporate and finance practice has seen an increased activity in same class offers, wholesale offers, employee share incentive schemes and crowd funding alternatives. Simon Vodanovich advised Wynyard Group on the NZ$30 million 1-for-4 pro-rata renounceable rights issue to existing shareholders. Adam Jackson advised Wellington International Airport on its NZ$50 million retail bond issue. Jackson also advised Smartshares on the establishment of 16 exchange traded funds (ETFs).
Competition & Antitrust
Buddle Findlay is reputable for its expertise in competition aspects of M&A and clearance applications. “They are always timely and of a high standard, offer genuine value for money and have good relationship skills,” says a client. Tony Dellow is advising Chevron on clearance by the Commerce Commission of Z Energy’s NZ$785 million acquisition of Chevron New Zealand. Susie Kilty advised the Infant Nutrition Council on its application to the Commerce Commission for the authorisation of the council’s code of practice, which includes a provision that restricts marketing infant formula to expectant mothers.
Construction & Real Estate
Buddle Findlay’s construction and real estate team has advised clients such as Goodman Property, University of Auckland and Christchurch City Council. “They offer timely and practical advice in a professional manner and they are great at keeping the relationship healthy,” says a client. Dominic Lundon advised Auckland Council on a land sale of an urban renewal project to a developer.
Corporate/M&A
Simon Vodanovich of Buddle Findlay advised Chevron on the sale of its shares to Z Energy. Grant Dunn advised Goldman Sachs Asian Special Situations on New Zealand aspects of its investment in Evolution Healthcare, a private hospital and healthcare services provider. Steve Nightingale advised Rangatira Investments on the acquisition of a 70% interest in Bio-Strategy, a lab equipment company. “Steve has a wide range of corporate commercial know-how and has built up a good understanding of our business,” says a client.
Intellectual Property
Buddle Findlay is a multi-practice law firm that has a reputable speciality in IP. John Glengarry leads the team, which advises a wide range of public and private sector clients on contentious and non-contentious IP issues. Notable clients include Colgate-Palmolive, Yahoo and World Wide Fund for Nature. Glengarry has more than 30 years of IP experience in New Zealand and overseas in patents, trade marks, fair trading, passing off and copyright litigation. Philip Wood has more than two decades of experience on copyright disputes, licences and fair dealing.
IT, Telco & Media
Clients are unanimous in their praise for Amy Ryburn, who became a partner of Buddle Findlay in January 2016. “Amy Ryburn has good ICT [information and communications technology] expertise, is very capable and I’m able to leave matters with her safe pair of hands,” says a client. “Amy is very knowledgeable about ICT and general contracting matters, provides timely and considered work and goes the extra mile,” says a client. “Amy has excellent IT contracting know-how, is pleasant, professional and practical,” says another client. Ryburn advised the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on its telecommunications-as-a service project involving a panel of 12 service providers for a full range of telecommunications and managed security services. Practice head Philip Wood advised Sky Network Television on its exclusive long-term deal with Disney.
Labour & Employment
Buddle Findlay has a strong client base in the government sector for its employment practice. Clients include New Zealand Post and KiwiRail. Sherridan Cook advised EnviroWaste on WorkSafe’s investigation and defences laid by Worksafe as a result of a workplace accident. “Sherridan is a knowledgeable, prompt and reliable service provider,” says a client. “Sherridan is an excellent communicator, commercial and pragmatic,” adds another client. Peter Chemis advised KiwiRail on a lawsuit brought by a union. “Peter is highly experienced and has excellent knowledge of all aspects of employment law,” says a client.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Buddle Findlay has been busy advising administrators, receivers, liquidators and creditors on a variety of complex matters. David Perry and Scott Abel are advising KordaMentha as administrators and deed administrators of Solid Energy on the asset sell-down process and a creditor’s litigation claims. Abel is also advising PwC as administrators and deed administrators of Waimea Contract Carriers, a forestry transport services provider. “Scott Abel is excellent,” says a peer.
Taxation
Buddle Findlay’s tax practice has a strong focus on transactional advisory work. Clients include BNZ, Fiji Airways and GE. Tony Wilkinson advised on the tax aspects of Chevron South Asia’s divestment of Chevron New Zealand to Z Energy. Wilkinson also advised Public Infrastructure Partners on the investment and management structure for the establishment of its second fund.
