MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Corporate and M&A

Partner and Head of Corporate (Wellington)

John is Head of Wellington Corporate and Commercial and co-leads the firm’s Energy practice. He is an experienced corporate lawyer, specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), energy, corporate advisory and structuring, and complex commercial contracting.

John assists New Zealand and international corporates and financial institutions, as well as the New Zealand Government, in structuring complex domestic and cross-border transactions and restructures. He is a very experienced energy lawyer having, acted for both upstream and downstream energy clients, as well as on a number of low carbon projects. He also has significant Overseas Investment Act experience, having advised on the OIO applications for large overseas investments and divestments by New Zealand funds and companies.

John has a strong reputation in the downstream energy sector, built through long-standing relationships with clients including Z Energy and its parent Ampol. He has advised on a range of strategic transactions and complex commercial arrangements across the fuel supply chain, including terminal infrastructure, wholesale and retail distribution, and joint venture structuring. His deep sector knowledge, combined with his commercial acumen, makes him a trusted adviser on high-value, business-critical matters in this space.

An expert in corporate structuring, John regularly advises companies on the establishment of limited partnership investment models and joint ventures. He has expertise in the carbon and renewable energy sectors, large and complex supply contracts and asset sale agreements.

His experience working inside a large, listed company gives John a great understanding of client needs. Combining his in-depth knowledge of corporate law, his international experience from his time at Herbert Smith Freehills in London, and his financial expertise, he provides prompt, specific advice for his clients’ unique circumstances.

Clients praise John’s ability to find solutions to difficult problems and his skill in structuring, project managing, and executing large multi-party transactions.

English

Member, New Zealand Wind Energy Association Member, Energy Resources Aotearoa

LLB/BCom, University of Otago (2003)