Well-regarded for its ‘pragmatic and commercial’ approach, MinterEllisonRuddWatts is trusted by investment banks, financial institutions, sponsors, issuers, trustees, corporates, and government departments on the full gamut of banking and finance mandates. The ’top-notch’ team is highly capable of handling regulation and compliance matters, financial restructuring, sustainable finance and leverage, and private capital finance. The practice is jointly led by the ‘diligent’ Steve Gallaugher and Jeremy Muir. Gallaugher is an expert in unitranche, syndicated, and bilateral finance transactions, while Muir is recommended for his expertise in cryptocurrencies, digital tokens and coins, non-fungible tokens, and other blockchain projects. The ’very experienced’ Kate Lane is a key port of call for New Zealand’s major banks and major corporates. Chris O’Brien has significant public law experience, regularly handling large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects. Other key individuals include Simon Gray, who is noted for his interest in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and associate Allison Hancock, who advises both financiers and borrowers on all types of financing transactions and banking matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Steve Gallaugher is our go to banking and finance partner in Auckland legal community. He's very diligent, always answers his phone or returns calls, and seems to have his hand on the pulse on what's happening in the NZ market.’
‘The MERW team stands out as the best in the market; they are pragmatic and commercial, as well as deeply knowledgeable. They are highly professional but approachable, and of all law firms I have engaged in my 20+ years in executive banking, I am continually drawn back to MERW for their genuine partnership approach.'
'Kate Lane is a phenomenal banking lawyer, with her knowledge and practical application of CCCFA a particular strength - she is universally considered the preeminent expert in this field within the banking sector.'
‘The MERW banking and finance team is top-notch. All the partners have a core understanding of general banking and finance, but they each have a speciality which means that, as a team, they can offer detailed legal knowledge and a real understanding of market practice in their specialist fields.’
‘Kate Lane is very experienced, covered most of the areas of banking and finance law over her career. Very pragmatic and good at the complex work.'
‘Large and responsive team, with engaging and knowledgeable team members.’
‘Steve Gallagher is friendly, knowledgeable and a trusted pair of hands.'
'Chris O'Brien is a highly experienced practitioner who has strength across a broad range of practice areas.'

Key clients

Westpac New Zealand Limited
ANZ Bank New Zealand
ASB Bank Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Rabobank
Wellington Gateway Partnership
The Treasury
ICD Land Pty Ltd
Tourism Holdings Limited
Z Energy

Work highlights

Acted for the syndicate lenders of Vodafone New Zealand Limited in its sale of its passive mobile tower business for NZD1.7bn.
Acted for Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury on the Crown's NZD2.1bn purchase of the shares in Kiwi Group Holdings.
Advised Channel Infrastructure on the public offer of NZD100m unsecured, unsubordinated fixed rate bonds.