Banking and financial services, consumer goods and services, energy, infrastructure, media and entertainment and real estate are some of the firm’s key industry sectors.
Banking and finance
Work highlights
Acted as lead counsel for Westpac New Zealand (Westpac) in the restructuring of the existing warehouse structure and the establishment of a new securitisation trust for the new bond issue.
Key clients
ANZ Bank New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand, ICBC (New Zealand)
Competition/antitrust
Work highlights
Advised the Electricity Authority on a proposal to introduce a default distributor agreement, which has been opposed by a number of electricity distribution businesses, including Vector.
Construction
Work highlights
Acted for Central Plains Water on the development and financing of the Stage II and Sheffield stages of development of the Central Plains Irrigation Project.
Key clients
Accident Compensation Corporation, Hunter Downs Water, NZ Transport Agency, Westpower
Corporate and M&A
Work highlights
Advised the trustees of Lanocorp Holding Trust on the sale of 80% of the shares in the Lanocorp group of companies Lanocorp New Zealand, Lanocorp Pacific, LTM Holdings and Canterbury Cosmetics to Kanara Holdings.
Key clients
AgResearch, Alceon Group, Snapper
Dispute resolution
Work highlights
Acted for New Zealand’s dairy company Miraka in a contractual claim against Milk New Zealand (Shanghai) Co. Miraka's claim was initially brought in the high court, but the issues are now being determined by arbitration.
Key clients
Haumaru Housing, NZ Transport Agency, PEPANZ, Sky Network Television, Zespri International
Intellectual property
Work highlights
Advised for NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) on its information and communications technology projects in the past 12 months and established a panel of software development suppliers for NZTA to call on across many of its core applications.
Key clients
Contact Energy, Imagination Television, SKY Network Television
Labour and employment
Work highlights
Advised New Zealand Post on a nation-wide restructuring that involves fundamental changes to its business.
Key clients
Alliance Group, Department of Corrections, Kerry Logistics (Oceania), Lumino
Private equity
Work highlights
Advised Adamantem Capital in its acquisition of Heritage Lifecare, a large retirement village and rest home operator, including undertaking due diligence, drafting the sale and purchase agreement and other related transaction documents.
Key clients
Bank of New Zealand, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (New Zealand)
Tax
Work highlights
Assisted Development West Coast, a charitable trust that was set up to manage income from a fund received from the government, in obtaining a favourable binding ruling from the Inland Revenue Department.
Key clients
Adamantem Capital, Bank of New Zealand, ICBC
Client feedback
“We were delighted with the service provided to us. We worked with a couple of solicitors on the matter so we were confident that we could always reach someone who could provide meaningful assistance through a relatively stressful time. Solutions proposed were pragmatic and realistic, with a real emphasis on commercial reality. The goal of reaching a resolution as quickly as possible was emphasised for the good of all parties, particularly where an employment situation is concerned and parties have to continue to work together.” – Labour and employment
“We never have an issue with the work completed by Buddle Findlay. They are user friendly, responsive and balanced in their approach. Our main dealings are at a corporate law level, for which in my view they excel. We have also had very good results for us in enforcing corporate restraints.” – Corporate and M&A
“Provided good advice and support through the process. The result for us was confidence we had provided a good report to the client. The partner supporting us worked hours outside the normal working week to meet our client's deadline. Very appreciative for the customer support.” – Labour and employment
“Buddle Findlay typically provides strongly pragmatic and commercial advice, focused on the best practical outcome for us as a client and cost-effectiveness. As a top-tier NZ firm located in the major cities, they are more expensive than regional/smaller firms, but this is consistent with typical law firm metrics and they are in line with other firm rates. I have been impressed with their ability to ‘play nicely’ with other firms when required.” – Dispute resolution
“Buddle Findlay provides an outstanding service. Their advice is always appropriate to the situation. They understand our organisation and are able to help us find solutions that work for our culture, while ensuring legal compliance. They are a very safe pair of hands.” – Labour and employment
