The team at Simpson Grierson contains dedicated restructuring and insolvency specialists who are highly capable of covering the gamut of corporate stress. The firm’s expertise includes security enforcement, distressed debt trading, and restructuring investment, as well as cross-border insolvency assistance. The team is led by Wellington-based Josh Cairns, a cross-border insolvency expert, and James Caird in Auckland, who focuses on complex debt restructurings. Steve Flynn is well-versed in restructuring and insolvencies in a corporate context, while Ben Upton is also noted for his work as an insolvency litigator.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Provides commercial, pragmatic advice on complex matters. Understands the risk appetite of its client. Very personable team.’
‘Josh Cairns and Steve Flynn are, pragmatic, understand our needs quickly, understand the risk appetite for the work we do and are personable.'
‘We found the firm to have a pragmatic, commercial and positive approach.’
‘Ben Upton is responsive, effective and strategically excellent.’
‘Well established team with proven capabilities - well versed in their areas of expertise.’
‘James Caird and Ben Upton lead balanced teams focussing on business restructuring and insolvency, property issues, and more general insolvency.'
'Client alignment and innovation to achieve a solution.'
'Josh Cairns is recommended.'
Key clients
- Westpac
- Calibre Partners
- PwC
- ASB Bank
- McGrathNicol
- KPMG
- Bank of New Zealand
- BDO
- Heartland Bank
- Grant Thornton
- Deloitte
- Arena Investors
- EY Cayman Limited
- Michael Li & Co, Hong Kong
Work highlights
Advised on Arena Investors on the Arena-led pre-packaged restructuring of the Optic Security Group through a concurrent voluntary administration and receivership.
Advised on the receivership of the ELE Group of Companies, a business with over 1,000 employees.
Represented Westpac in the proceedings against New Dawn Holdings Limited and its guarantor.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Josh Cairns
Ben Upton
Practice head
Josh Cairns; James Caird
Other key lawyers
Steve Flynn; Ben Upton