Department profile
Simpson Grierson

Corporate/Commercial

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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Simpson Grierson

Rankings

About

Provided by Simpson Grierson

Simpson Grierson is ranked for Corporate/Commercial in Chambers Asia-Pacific for the 16th consecutive year and is recognised in Chambers Global 2026. The team advises domestic and international clients on significant corporate transactions, including public and private M&A, IPOs and capital markets transactions, private capital investments, takeovers and restructurings.

The practice is particularly known for inbound investment into New Zealand and is regularly instructed by global funds, private capital firms and multinational corporates. The team works closely with offshore counsel on cross-border and multi-jurisdictional transactions and helps international clients navigate New Zealand's legal and regulatory landscape.

Recent work includes advising on significant domestic and cross-border M&A, takeover and private capital transactions, including matters for Macquarie Asset Management, Bourns, Tāmaki Health and Rayonier. Clients include The a2 Milk Company, Rocket Lab, Comvita, 2degrees, Macquarie, Adamantem Capital and Aware Super across infrastructure, energy, water, food and agribusiness, technology and financial services.

Key partners include Simon Vannini, Andrew Matthews, Michael Pollard, James Hawes and Don Holborow.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/Commercial - New Zealand

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Simpson Grierson's strong practice handles the full range of corporate matters on behalf of leading international and domestic companies. The firm is home to a substantial offering of IPO, M&A, private equity and corporate restructuring knowledge, with experience in high-profile transactions across a wide range of industries. It is often instructed by prominent funds, private equity firms and international corporates on inbound investment into New Zealand.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Simpson Grierson advised Australian Retirement Trust on the acquisition of an additional 33% of Powerco, increasing its share to 58%, involving comprehensive support and overseas investment office consent.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm has deep bench strength and experienced practitioners, providing pragmatic, effective and clear advice. They are very capable of working through complex issues and situations.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific

  • Simpson Grierson has in-depth understanding of our industry, enabling them to identify material issues and importantly, provide accurate advice on issues with the most relevance to our business.

    Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael Pollard
    Michael Pollard

    Michael Pollard

    Michael Pollard is based in Auckland and regularly acts for clients on both corporate transactions and equity capital market matters. He is an experienced handler of trans-Tasman mandates and frequently acts on behalf of clubs formed by investment banks and brokers to underwrite specific capital markets transactions.

    • Michael Pollard is very commercially astute and has a very good understanding of our business. One of his great strengths is thinking outside the box and coming up with novel solutions.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific

    • I cannot speak highly enough of his capabilities. Additionally, he's a super personable human to work with, as we feel so well looked after working with him.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • James Hawes
    James Hawes

    James Hawes

    James Hawes is a well-regarded, Auckland-based practitioner who acts for clients on a variety of transactions, including capital raisings, corporate takeovers and M&A deals.

    • He knows the industry well and has New Zealand-based expertise, allowing him to provide detailed advice early on about proposed legislation.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific

    • James Hawes provides excellent service, is pragmatic and is very quick to find a solution that works for us. I have really enjoyed working with him.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Andrew Matthews
    Andrew Matthews

    Andrew Matthews

    Andrew Matthews advises across a wide range of issues, including corporate takeovers and acquisitions as well as compliance and governance matters. He is based in Auckland.

    • Andrew Matthews has a great understanding of our business and the current environment we're operating in. He provides commercial, pragmatic advice and is timely in mitigating risk.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Anastasiya Gamble
    Anastasiya Gamble

    Anastasiya Gamble

    Anastasiya Gamble is an up-and-coming practitioner in the Auckland market who regularly advises on M&A, joint ventures and corporate governance.

    • Anastasiya Gamble has developed a strong understanding of our business. She is also commercially adept and a very strong operator.

      Corporate/Commercial respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Simpson Grierson (4)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by Simpson Grierson

Simpson Grierson has rankings in the following guides

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