The corporate team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is ‘well-versed on commercial realities’ and praised for its ’very pragmatic and commercial’ approach.’ The team’s expertise covers public and private M&A, private equity and capital markets, corporate governance, and regulatory matters to its clients which operate across a myriad of sectors and industries, spanning food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, transport, healthcare and education. The team is jointly led by the ‘commercial and realistic’ Neil Millar and John Conlan. Millar spearheads the corporate team in Auckland and is a key port of call for some of the world’s largest corporates, while Conlan, who leads the Wellington team, specialises in M&A, corporate advisory and complex commercial contracting and restructuring. Mark Forman is noted for his expertise in overseas investment laws, corporate governance, shareholder agreements, and employee shareholding arrangements. Other notable individuals include Mark Stuart who possesses the capability to advise clients on all aspects of M&A, capital markets, and commercial and business transactions, and associate Igor Drinkovic who specialises in public M&A and securities law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'As a team, they were extremely responsive and committed, technically excellent and diligent at managing their fees. But their unique strengths in my view included creativity, a commercial lens on everything and excellent contributions to strategic planning in projects.’
'They are exceptionally well versed on commercial realities and extremely competent at grasping complex accounting and financial concepts that impact on deal-making and returns to shareholders.'
‘Neil Millar is an exceptional deal maker who adds immense value by understanding commercial drivers, this is rare in lawyers who regularly focus on legal mechanics to achieve the vision of a business.'
'Tayla Johnston thinks and breathes like her boss so you never feel that you have to repeat yourself if not always on the same calls. Their is immense depth to the team with Jasmin Matthews able to bridge any absences. We never lose continuity.’
‘We have predominantly been working with Neil Millar & Tayla Johnston in the M&A space, along with the wider team on a support basis. MERW has a key strength in market where it has a very pragmatic and commercial approach to the M&A.'
'They are able to cut through complex issues, breaking them down into manageable components with a process that is easy to follow. They are strongly commercial in their approach to negotiation.'
‘Stand Out Partner: Neil Millar (Head of M&A). Practical no-nonsense advice, commercial and realistic, with a great nose for what will get a deal across the line. Highly recommend.'

Key clients

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc
Fonterra Co-Operative Group
Tourism Holdings Limited (THL)
ORA Hong Kong
Next Capital
Metlifecare Retirement Villages
Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
ANZ Bank
Westpac Bank
Southern Cross Healthcare

Work highlights

Advised Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc on its acquisition of 100% of the shares in Partners Group Holdings Limited.
Advised Fonterra Co-Operative Group on the divestment its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company, Gloria Foods.
Advised Tourism Holdings Limited on its merger with Apollo Tourism and Leisure.