Services

Mergers and Acquisitions

Merging and acquiring companies in New Zealand

Mergers and acquisitions can raise complex competition issues, particularly where the parties are significant competitors or operate at different levels of the same supply chain. The Commerce Act prohibits mergers that are likely to substantially lessen competition, and the Commerce Commission operates voluntary clearance and authorisation regimes for transactions that may raise concerns.

Even where a transaction is unlikely to harm competition, businesses often seek advice to ensure that the deal is structured and executed in a way that avoids unnecessary regulatory risk. This includes managing information‑sharing during due diligence, avoiding gun‑jumping, and ensuring that commercial arrangements do not inadvertently create cartel‑like conduct.

Expertise

Anna provides clear, practical advice on the competition law aspects of buying, selling, or merging businesses. She helps clients assess competition risk and navigate engagement with the Commerce Commission on merger-related issues.

She also advises on the competition risks that can occur during the transaction process, including information‑sharing protocols, clean teams, integration planning and other conduct that may raise concerns.

Services

Advising on the application of New Zealand’s merger control regime and assessing competition risk
Facilitating informal engagement with the Commerce Commission
Assisting with the preparation and filing of merger clearances and authorisations
Advising on clean‑team arrangements, information‑sharing protocols, and anti–gun‑jumping compliance