MinterEllisonRuddWatts‘ banking and finance team advises all of New Zealand’s major trading banks, with expertise in the retail and commercial banking sectors. The team also assists other banks, large global financial institutions, private credit funds, corporates, and governments. The practice is noted for its expertise that covers bank regulation and compliance, infrastructure, leverage, private capital finance matters, and securitisation. Kate Lane is noted for her practice acting for both borrowers and financiers, while Allison Hancock brings an international perspective, assisting banks and private credit providers. The team further includes the experienced Chris O’Brien, while key support is provided by Simon Gray and Emma Geard.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Commercial acumen. Timely engagement and response. Logical and practical approach to documentation and structures.’
- ‘In my experience I have found MERW to be exceptional partners – providing not just expert advice and support (timely, accurate, value-adding etc), but proactive suggestions on alternatives. They are not order takers, and instead provide options, not thought of by the business, to solve complex issues and opportunities.’
- ‘The Banking and Finance team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is the stand-out team for me at MinterEllisonRuddWatts . Easy to work with and experts in their field.’
- ‘Kate Lane is excellent to work with. She is highly knowledgeable and very pragmatic.’
- ‘Very approachable and pragmatic.’
- ‘Full services banking and finance team covering regulation, transaction, commercial, debt recovery and litigation. Knowledgeable and expert. Up to date with industry developments. Accessible and responsive. Well connected with industry and regulators.’
Key clients
- American Express
- ANZ
- ASB
- Bank of New Zealand
- The Carlyle Group
- Five V Capital
- Global Loan Agency Services Limited
- The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Rabobank
- The (New Zealand) Treasury
- Westpac
Work highlights
Advised Amicaa, The Carlyle Group and ASB Bank on all aspects of their NZ$140 million secured senior debt package to finance a management buyout of New Zealand’s leading independent fuel retailer, NPD.
Advising the mandated lead arranger banks in connection with the $1.7 billion syndicated financing of One NZ.
The primary advisers to Tourism Holdings Limited on its NZD475m refinancing of its corporate debt facilities.
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.
Chris O’Brien
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Emma Geard
Simon Gray
Other key lawyers
Kate Lane; Chris O'Brien; Allison Hancock; Simon Gray; Emma Geard