MinterEllisonRuddWatts's team assists clients in industries spanning the New Zealand market, including food and beverage, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The firm is experienced in public and private M&A, joint ventures, and equity capital markets. Neil Millar, who advises on matters in the healthcare, agribusiness, and automotive sectors, and John Conlan, who aids upstream and downstream energy clients on their corporate matters, jointly head up the practice. Mark Forman is well-versed in overseas investment laws. Mark Stuart is regularly instructed by corporate and private equity investors. Igor Drinkovic was promoted to partner in January 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The corporate and M&A practice at MinterEllisonRuddWatts delivered everything I would expect from a top-tier firm.'
'I was impressed not only with the leading lawyers but the depth of talent in more junior lawyers I worked with.’
‘Isaac Stewart and Tayla Johnston are standout individuals. Extremely diligent and committed to getting outcomes for the client.’
‘Client-centric approach and pragmatism.’
‘Neal Millar and Tayla Johnston are very approachable and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Bupa Group
Channel Infrastructure
Entain Group Pty Ltd
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
Global Forest Partners LP
Next Capital Group
Pinnacle Corporation Limited
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
Tourism Holdings Limited
Z Energy Group

Work highlights

Advised L'Oréal (in partnership with Latham & Watkins) on its AUD3.7bn acquisition of Australasian luxury beauty brand Aēsop from Natura & Co.
Advised Entain on its selection as TAB NZ's preferred partner for a 25-year strategic arrangement,a first-of-its-kind transaction in New Zealand that required Ministerial approval.
Advised Tiny, a Canadian-based technology holding company, on the New Zealand aspects of its acquisition of a 60% stake in Letterboxd Limited, a global social platform for film discovery.