Praised for its ‘very strong commercial instincts, capability, and complete calm even in the most difficult and stressful situations’, the corporate team at Russell McVeagh handles a steady stream of deals for a diverse portfolio of clients. The team’s expertise is notably pronounced in the financial services, private equity, and government sectors. The practice is spearheaded by David Hoare, who regularly advises high-profile clients on all aspects of complex corporate and commercial transactions. Wellington-based Mei Fern Johnson is noted for her expertise in infrastructure, transport, technology, energy, and joint ventures, with a track record of advising on significant market transactions, including Beijing Capital Group’s $1.9bn sale of Waste Management NZ. The ’incredibly helpful’ Dan Jones, lauded for his ‘excellent industry knowledge’, specialises in M&A, capital markets and corporate advisory work for public and privately owned clients. A litany of local and international private equity fund managers turn to Ben Paterson for representation in the full scope of corporate transactions. With over three decades of experience, Joe Windmeyer is recommended for M&A, joint ventures, and securities matters, while Cath Shirley-Brown has a specific focus on cross-border transactions. All individuals mentioned above are based in Auckland unless otherwise stated.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dan Jones has been incredibly helpful, has excellent industry knowledge, takes a pragmatic approach and is available to support when required.’
‘Appropriately matches the team to the project including in respect of the tiers (from Solicitors to Partners). The Partner level is strong and so are the solicitors and associates who are always approachable.'
‘Ian Beaumont has a deal-making focus - provides clear pragmatic advice without any personal focus on point scoring.’
‘Very strong commercial instincts, capability, and complete calm even in the most difficult and stressful situations make this the leading corporate team in ANZ.’
‘Partners who are deeply across the detail, highly commercial, and yet who somehow manage to provide space for a high-quality up-and-coming junior team to still establish themselves.’
Key clients
- Silver Lake
- Beijing Capital Group
- Pacific Equity Partners
- Westpac Group
- National Australia Bank Limited
- Trustpower
- Pioneer Capital Management
- Fonterra Co-operative Group
- Fisher Funds Management
- QIC
Work highlights
- Advised Silver Lake (a US based Global Private Equity Firm) in relation to its NZD $200 million investment into a newly established commercial vehicle that will hold the revenue generating assets of NZ Rugby.
- Advised Beijing Capital Group on the sale of Waste Management to Igneo Infrastructure Partners (a global infrastructure investment manager – the purchaser), for NZ$1.9 billion.
- Advised QIC Private Capital on its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited's New Zealand and Australian metering business – the largest smart metering platform across Australia and New Zealand, with over 2.3 million meters owned or managed across the electricity and gas sectors.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Hoare