Our work

Print defamation
We are instructed by APN, publisher of the New Zealand Herald, to act on a defamation proceeding, Simunovich Fisheries Ltd & ors v TVNZ, APN New Zealand Limited & ors. The proceeding is the largest defamation case brought in New Zealand with the plaintiffs seeking NZ$30 million in damages. The case arises out of publications relating to the operation of New Zealand's scampi fishery.

Merger of Independent Newspapers Limited (INL) with Sky Network Television and associated transactions.
Bell Gully advised INL on its NZ$3.27 billion merger with NZ pay TV operator Sky TV which involved a series of transactions over a two-year period following the sale of INL's publishing businesses. The firm assisted in the design of the complex and innovative structure to effect the merger. The transaction required INL and Sky shareholder approval, High Court approval, as well as various other regulatory approvals. The transaction was named the New Zealand Deal of the Year at the 2006 ALB Australasian Law Awards.

Prime Television New Zealand
Bell Gully advised Prime Television New Zealand on its acquisition by Sky Network Television for NZ$30.3 million.