One of the largest deals in the market in the last 12 months was recognised as the M&A Deal of the Year - Metlifecare NZ$1.3bn sale to Asia Pacific Villages Group, where the firm advised EQT Infrastructure IV Fund (Asia Pacific Villages Group) on its acquisition by way of scheme of arrangement. This was a complex deal requiring expertise from across the firm, and the Judges noted “multiple elements of this notable transaction make it a stand out in its category.”
The firm was recognised for work on Mercury NZ Finance $200 million seven-year green bond offer, which won Debt Capital Markets Deal of the Year. The Judges’ comments included, "This transaction involved the issue of an innovative green bond across a range of investors in different jurisdictions; A significant new green bond issue, with a high level of complexity and innovation."
Bell Gully’s Restructuring and Insolvency team won the award in their sector for Liquidation of Pacific Aerospace assets. The Judges commented on the “regulatory hurdles and cross-jurisdictional issues to be navigated” for the deal, as well as the “public interest - a real impetus to make the deal successful.”
Along with 8 Excellence Awards for the firm and other deals, Auckland Litigation Senior Associate, Brad Ward received an Excellence Award for Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year.
The firm congratulates all winners, finalists and excellence awardees, particular the Air New Zealand Legal Team’s recognition as In-house Team of the Year, Natalie Bryant, Sharesies, for In-House Lawyer of the Year, and Courtney Dick (formerly of Rocket Lab) for Young In-house Lawyer of the Year.