John specialises in corporate, contract and securities law, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
With a reputation in complex corporate and commercial deals, John advises clients on corporatisation and privatisation exercises, including M&A and initial public offerings. He co-heads Chapman Tripp's China desk, which coordinates the firm's efforts and advice related to investment and trade between China and New Zealand.
At the legal forefront for developing the private equity investment industry in New Zealand, John acts for a number of domestic and offshore private equity investors.
He is consistently listed as a leading corporate and commercial and M&A lawyer by independent legal directories. John is ranked as the only 'Star Individual' in corporate/commercial in New Zealand in Chambers Asia Pacific 2020 and Chambers Global 2020. IFLR1000 2020 ranked him as a Market Leader in M&A and equity capital markets, and he is recognised as a leading individual for corporate and M&A in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020. He is also recognised in Legal Media Group's Guide to the World's Leading Private Equity Lawyers and Guide to the World's Leading M&A Lawyers.
John was named New Zealand Dealmaker of the Year at the 2019 Australasian Law Awards.
Recent highlights
Has advised:
- Merino wool clothing retailer Icebreaker's on its sale to US-based VF Corporation
- WSP Global's on the full takeover of New Zealand infrastructure company, Opus International Consultants
- Sumitomo on the acquisition of a substantial pine forest from Tasman Bay Forests Company for $370m
- Higgins Group Holdings on the sale to NZX and ASX-listed Fletcher Building for $315m
- GIC Real Estate, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, on a $1b joint venture with Scentre Group – Westfield mall owner and operator – to take a 49% stake in five New Zealand shopping centres
- Vista Group International on a $92.5m IPO and NZX and ASX-listing
- Japanese consortium, Oji Holdings Corp and Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, on the acquisition of 100% of Carter Holt Harvey's pulp, paper and packaging businesses for $1.037b
- Transpacific Industries, an Australian waste management company, on the $950m sale of its New Zealand business to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Beijing Capital Group.
Affiliations
Skellerup board member
