Customised service, workable solutions
Our tax experts provide tailored and practical advice. In the complex, often multi-jurisdictional and technical world of tax, our clients get clear thinking. We are known for solutions that are innovative, flexible and strongly tax efficient.
We assist with the full spectrum of clients' commercial activities. These include transaction structuring and property taxation, inbound and outbound investment, cross-border leasing, funds management, financial products, corporate restructuring and employee share plans. We also work on binding and non-binding tax rulings, negotiations and disputes with the Inland Revenue Department and, where necessary, tax litigation and advocacy.
Chapman Tripp is also heavily involved in high profile tax policy work. Partner Casey Plunket is a member of the Tax Working Group whose report formed the basis of “once-in-a-generation” reforms to New Zealand’s tax system announced in the 2010 Budget.
We have advised
- Shell Overseas Holdings Limited (Shell) on the divestment of Shell’s New Zealand downstream business by way of the sale of the shares in the New Zealand holding company for that business. The purchaser (Aotea Energy Limited) is a 50/50 joint venture between Infratil Limited (a NZX-listed infrastructure company) and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund
- Shell Overseas Holdings Limited on the divestment of its 37% interest in Fulton Hogan Limited (FHL) by way of a share buyback by FHL
- Hanover Finance and United finance on the $396.2 million sale of its finance assets to NZX listed Allied Farmers and restructuring of its debenture obligations for listed scrip
- funds industry leaders on the development of a proposal to have New Zealand become a financial hub. The proposal involves changes to the tax system to implement a zero rate of tax on certain foreign investments managed in New Zealand.
- leading outdoor equipment and clothing retailer Kathmandu Holdings Limited on the New Zealand law aspects of its 2009 IPO of shares, the largest IPO in New Zealand since 2005.
- HSBC on the launch of its Luxembourg-based fund.
- Direct Capital on the initial public offering of its Pohutukawa Private Equity II fund, a private equity fund established for retail investors, which raised $82.5 million.
- ASB Group Investments on the development and launch of the first single class Term PIE (Portfolio Investment Entity) Fund.