Competition/Antitrust | Asia-Pacific

Russell McVeagh's acclaimed multidisciplinary practice is recognised for its assistance to clients in disputes with the Commerce Commission and advice to multinationals on their cross-jurisdictional interactions with regulatory bodies. The firm also offers expertise in both litigation and merger clearance applications in respect of complex M&A transactions, benefiting in both areas from its maintenance of constructive relationships with the regulators. Admired for its impressive client base and consequent familiarity with the widest range of potential issues, it possesses notable experience in the representation of clients from the technological, financial services, transportation, retail and health spheres, plus particular expertise with competition issues in relation to disruptive business models. Notable clients of the firm include Microsoft, Meridian Energy and Woolworths New Zealand.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts's multidisciplinary team is well regarded for advising on complex and high-profile competition matters, including merger clearance applications and oppositions, as well as on behavioural enforcement matters. The firm is particularly noted for its in-depth knowledge of the regulatory environments in the telecommunications, media, energy and transportation sectors, based in part on in-house experience with the relevant authorities. The practice is also well placed to advise on trans-Tasman and broader regional mandates, thanks to its membership of the firm's extensive Australian and Asian network. The firm counts among its clients Camplify NZ, Viagogo and Life Health Foods.

The DLA Piper New Zealand team forms an arm of a global competition practice with ready access to experience and insight acquired in other jurisdictions. The firm provides a full merger clearance, regulatory advisory and litigation support service to, among others, prominent players in the consumer goods, electronics and logistics spheres, as well as public sector bodies. The team is particularly experienced in the handling of cartel-related issues. The firm's clients include PB Technologies, Foodstuffs North Island and Asia Pacific Loan Market Association.

Lane Neave's South Island-based specialist team covers the full range of competition and consumer protection issues, notably including cartel activity, collective negotiations, fair trading and compliance. The team is particularly active on behalf of clients from the food, agribusiness, energy and vehicle hire sectors, and is well placed to provide supporting expertise from the resources of the wider, full-service firm.