The tax practice at MinterEllisonRuddWatts possesses ‘extensive transaction and private equity experience’ and is ‘commercial and responsive to timelines’. The team is regularly instructed to advise on the tax aspects of significant transactions, and also advises on infrastructure projects and tax controversy matters. Its expertise also covers transfer pricing, W&I insurance, private wealth, cryptocurrency and executive remuneration. The Auckland-based team is headed by Andrew Ryan, who is ’excellent to work with on time-sensitive deals, especially involving cross-border structures‘ and is well regarded for his role in high-value transactions. Also in the team, Simon Akozu is a key name for his involvement in high-profile infrastructure projects and transactions. Phillip Chrisp leads on the team’s significant tax engagements and has become a specialist in M&A, directly advising large corporate clients, fund managers and global insurance companies.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘One of the most experienced private equity teams in New Zealand; very commercial; very responsive to timelines.’
‘Extensive transaction and private equity experience; commercial and responsive to timelines. Andrew Ryan and Phillip Crisp are excellent to work with on time-sensitive deals, especially involving cross-border structures.’
‘Accessable team. They make sure I am kept up to date with any projects that other teams at Minters are involved in that may have tax implications.’

Key clients

Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Sharesies Investment Management
Dai-ichi Life Holdings
Fédération Internationale de Football Association
Auckland Council
University of Otago
Wellington Gateway Partnership
Westpac Banking
Kāinga Ora

Work highlights

Advised the Treasury on the tax aspects of the acquisition by the Crown of 100% of the shares in Kiwi Group Holdings.
Advised Fonterra on the tax elements of the sale of its Soprole dairy business in Chile to Peruvian dairy company Gloria Foods.
Advised Sharesies on expanding its services with the establishment of a Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme.