Michael specialises in M&A, corporate and projects matters. He is a commercially minded partner who seamlessly integrates with client and deal teams to deliver successful project outcomes.
Michael’s corporate and commercial practice includes mergers, acquisitions, and disposals, including through competitive processes; joint venture and limited partnership arrangements; takeovers, corporate restructurings, foreign investment in New Zealand and significant corporate advisory; and commercial contract and governance matters. Michael also has broad project experience, particularly in the energy sector.
In particular, Michael has recently advised:
- PEP on its investment into FirstCape, combining Jarden Group and National Australia Bank’s wealth advice and asset management businesses;
- PEP on its proposed scheme of arrangement with Jarden Group to acquire Jarden Group's interest in FirstCape and invest into Jarden Group;
- Anchorage Capital on its acquisition of Equipment, Leasing & Finance Group, which comprises AB Equipment & Speirs Finance Group and subsequent sale of part of that business to Toyota Industries;
- BGH on the New Zealand aspects of its acquisition of IT services business Fusion5 from Waterman Capital and associated entities;
- Circuitwise (a Quadrant Private Equity entity) on its acquisitions of Nautech Electronics and of Assembly Specialists Limited;
- Vinci in relation to its acquisition of Wharehine Group, a quarry and civil construction business;
- the Glasson family on its acquisition of a 49% interest in Westfield Albany;
- Brookfield on its acquisition of the Rydges Wellington and Sofitel Queenstown hotels; and
- Ethical Power in relation to the sale of 9 solar farms to Lodestone Energy, including its appointment as the EPC contractor for those farms.
Michael was recognised as a New Zealand Dealmaker of the Year for 2024 by Australasian Lawyer / NZ Lawyer, and has been a finalist for New Zealand Dealmaker of the Year at the Australasian Law Awards. He has been recommended by a number of directories, including Chambers Asia-Pacific and IFLR.
Before joining Webb Henderson, Michael practised in the corporate teams of leading New Zealand and international firms, including time spent at a magic-circle firm in the Middle East.
