DLA Piper New Zealand‘s finance team handles a wide range of financing transactions and financial regulatory work. The practice is noted for its growing expertise in the renewable energy market, alongside its established offering in the technology sector. Michael Thompson heads the team, with expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance, as well as property and development finance. Rachel Brown is well-regarded for her renewable finance expertise, while Jacob Nutt provides key support to the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'They ensure I am well-informed and have great knowledge of market norms.'
- 'Michael Thompson & Jacob Nutt are both super approachable and I feel like I can have frank conversations about any matters that are frustrating me, and they lend an understanding ear and seek to address.'
- 'Rachel Brown is knowledgeable, client-focused, pragmatic, and proactive. Her focus, together with that of her team, on delivering clear advice that enables optimal outcomes in appropriate timeframes is excellent.'
- 'Rachel Brown has in-depth expertise in the renewable energy finance space that sets her apart from her peers. She is ably supported by a very competent team, including the exceptional Jacob Nutt.'
- 'The DLA team is excellent. They are technically strong, dedicated to their clients, and exceptionally hardworking. You always feel they are in your corner, but they provide pragmatic advice, not just what you want to hear.'
- 'Rachel Brown is exceptional. She really cares for her clients and works hard to understand their business and needs. Her availability is fantastic, even when she is busy. She is pragmatic and the quality of her advice is excellent.'
Key clients
- New Zealand Green Investment Finance
- Aquila Clean Energy APAC Pte Ltd
- Mitre 10 New Zealand Limited
- Foodstuffs North Island Limited
- Bank of China Limited
- Accel - KKR
- Westpac New Zealand Limited
- ASB Bank Limited
- Bank of Queensland
- Bank of New Zealand
- Auckland Council
Work highlights
Acted for Accel-KKR and Unimarket in connection with the acquisition of VendorPanel.
Acted for the project entities in which Aquila has invested on an ongoing basis in connection with New Zealand law aspects of its debt facilities with Westpac New Zealand.
Acted for Auckland Council on the grant funding arrangements with St James Holdings Limited. This grant funding is being provided to refurbish the historic St James Theatre in Auckland.
Lawyers
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Michael Thomspon
Other key lawyers
Rachel Brown; Jacob Nutt