The Auckland-based team at Russell McVeagh is commended for its ‘deep levels of experience and creative mindset to solving complex problems’. The team’s range of expertise covers corporate transactions, the review of capital structures and transfer pricing disputes, and its clients include major domestic banks, sovereign wealth funds and large corporates. The department is led by Fred Ward, who ’brings energy to deals and situations where others may struggle’. Ward has expertise in corporate finance matters, M&A and structured investment products. The team is supported by Greg Neill, who is a key contact for advice on the tax aspects of M&A, private equity and financing transactions. Neill has acted for some of New Zealand’s biggest corporates, as well as large offshore corporations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Deep levels of experience and a creative mindset to solving complex problems help this team deliver simple solutions to complex problems.’

  • ‘Fred Ward is likely the most experienced tax lawyer in all of New Zealand and brings energy to deals and situations where others may struggle. ’

  • 'Excellent reponsive advice from Russell McVeigh.'

  • 'I work with Greg Neill who is always available and works well to deadlines. Advice is clear and concise and well researched.'

Key clients

  • ANZ Banking Group
  • QIC Private Capital
  • Silver Lake
  • Pacific Equity Partners
  • Beijing Capital Group
  • National Australia Bank
  • Fisher Funds
  • Shareholders of Invenco Group
  • Infratec
  • Fonterra Co-operative Group
  • Stamford Land Corporation
  • Ports of Auckland

Work highlights

  • Advised QIC Private Capital on the tax aspects of its acquisition of 50% of Vector Limited's New Zealand and Australian metering business.
  • Advised Beijing Capital Group on the sale of Waste Management to Igneo Infrastructure Partners, for NZ$1.9bn.
  • Acted as the New Zealand jurisdiction legal and tax adviser to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group in its restructure.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Fred Ward

Other key lawyers

Greg Neill