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Buying or Selling a Business

Buying or selling a business? We handle the deal structure, due diligence and contract terms so you can focus on the outcome — not the paperwork. Based in Wellington, acting NZ-wide and for overseas clients.

Clear, commercial advice for buyers and sellers

Buying a business

We work through financials, key contracts, leases, IP, employment agreements and regulatory consents. Risks are flagged early, conditions are tightened, and the deal stays on track through to settlement.

Selling a business

We get your business sale-ready — tidy corporate records, advise on asset versus share-sale structuring, calibrate warranties and indemnities, and negotiate terms that protect your position without stalling the deal.

Every business sale is different. We map the deal structure to your goals, keep the paperwork tight, and stay in close contact with accountants, brokers, banks and the other side so you always know where things stand.

Who we help

  • First-time business buyers and franchisees

  • Established owners selling or exiting

  • Shareholders buying out co-owners

  • Overseas investors acquiring NZ businesses (including OIO consents where required)

What's included

  • Sale and purchase agreement drafting, review and negotiation

  • Due diligence — financials, key contracts, leases, IP, employment and regulatory

  • Asset vs share sale structuring, including GST and tax-treatment input

  • Restraints of trade, warranties, indemnities and earn-outs

How it works

1. Share the details

Tell us about the business, the proposed deal and your timeline. We confirm scope, likely costs and the right structure (asset or share sale).

2. Due diligence and drafting

We work through the business records, flag key risks and price-relevant findings, then draft or negotiate the SPA to fit the deal.

3. Negotiate and finalise

We work through conditions, warranties, restraints and settlement mechanics. You get plain-English guidance at every turn so the trade-offs are clear.

4. Settlement and handover

We manage settlement funds, Companies Office filings, lease assignments and employee transfers. You walk away with the deal closed and the file tidy.

We also assist with Business Restructuring.

Ready to buy or sell a business? Share the details and your timeline — we'll confirm next steps and indicative costs.

The Team

sale and purchase of a business

David Greenslade

Partner
David leads the firm’s business and commercial teams. He has worked on major commercial transactions in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Middle East. David’s clients value his creative approach to problem solving. More about David Greenslade

Tim Power

Consultant
Tim is the firm's public law lead, having lead 2 government legal teams and, more recently, advised a range of government departments, Crown entities, local authorities and private sector clients that interact with government. More about Tim Power

Tim O’Regan

Senior Associate
Tim is a Senior Associate in our Commercial Team with experience across corporate lending, banking and commercial law, with a particular focus on structured finance and infrastructure. He supports clients on M&A transactions, corporate documentation, and construction contracts, providing practical, tailored advice and strong relationship management. More about Tim O’Regan

Sana Kamal

Solicitor
Sana is a Solicitor in our Commercial Team, having previously served in the firm as a Legal Secretary in our Trusts, Estates and Life Planning Team. Sana has a particular interest in commercial contracts, governance and refinancing matters. More about Sana Kamal