Corporate & Commercial Law
At Sharp Tudhope, our corporate & commercial team is unmatched in the Bay for its depth of experience & dedication to helping businesses thrive.
We support a diverse range of clients, from small and medium-sized enterprises and investors to listed companies and international businesses.
We offer practical, commercially focused advice across various industries and, with a comprehensive understanding of business, ensure legal risks are managed in the right context, enabling efficient and effective solutions.
What We Do
Whether it involves starting new ventures, navigating business risks, raising capital, handling mergers and acquisitions, or anything in between, we provide the expertise necessary to help you succeed.
How We Work
Our Expertise
- Capital raisings
- Commercial contracts & advisory
- Corporate structuring, restructuring & roll-ups
- Directors’ duties, governance & compliance
- Finance & banking
- Financial regulation
- General competition & consumer law
- Joint ventures
- Limited partnerships
- Mergers & acquisitions
- Private equity & venture capital
- Restructuring, turnaround & insolvency
- Retirement villages & aged care
- Shareholder agreements & company constitutions
- Start-ups & early-stage ventures
- Succession planning
- Syndications
- Takeovers
Experience
Advising MyFarm Investments on all aspects of the establishment of the MyFarm Kiwfruit Fund. The Fund, established under a limited partnership structure, owns and operates Kiwifruit assets valued at approximately $200m, with over 500 limited partners.
The Fund establishment process involved the sale by 11 Limited Partnerships of 17 Kiwifruit orchards and associated assets to the newly formed Fund, with consideration satisfied by the issue of Fund units and cash.
Our services included advice on the structure and governance of the Fund, management arrangements, approvals required for each selling Limited Partnership, the establishment of banking facilities for the Fund, and the transfer of all assets.
Advised the founding investors, BayTrust, TECT, Trust Horizon, and Rotorua Trust on the establishment of the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund (BOPHEF).
With an initial investment of $45 million and an intention to scale to at least $100 million swiftly, the BOPHEF aims to address the region’s critical housing shortage, acting as a catalyst for development and accommodating a diverse range of investments.
Advising Giltrap Group on all aspects of the sale of the business and assets of European Financial Services, Euro Rate Finance, and European Wholesale Finance to UDC Finance.
The vendor entities provided branded vehicle finance solutions to Giltrap Group customers, trading under premium European brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Cupra in New Zealand.
The transaction involved an asset valued at more than $200m and was subject to Overseas Investment Office approval.
Advising the shareholders of a national distribution company on the sale of their shares to a UK private equity firm with £2.2billion in capital under management.
We advised on all aspects of the transaction, which valued the target company at just under NZ$30m, from the offer letter through due diligence, negotiation of the deal documentation, and completion.
Advising a private investor on its acquisition of shares in a company that owns and operates a unique business park that leverages collaboration around the agribusiness industry.
The shares were acquired from a local authority for a purchase price of approximately $10m.
Advising on mergers and acquisitions to grow a health services provider from an enterprise value of $10M to $80M in 4 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses does Sharp Tudhope's corporate and commercial team work with?
We work with a wide range of businesses, from start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises through to listed companies, private equity firms, and international businesses. Whether you’re just getting off the ground or navigating a complex multi-million dollar transaction, our team has the experience to help.
Can Sharp Tudhope help me structure or restructure my business?
Yes. Our team regularly advises on corporate structuring, restructuring, roll-ups, and succession planning. Whether you’re setting up a new entity, reorganising an existing business, or planning for the future, we’ll help you find the right structure for your goals while managing any legal implications.
I'm looking to buy or sell a business. Where do I start?
Mergers and acquisitions can be complex, but we guide clients through every stage of the process, from initial offer letters and due diligence through to negotiating deal documentation and completion. We’ve advised on transactions ranging from small family-owned businesses to multi-million dollar deals involving international buyers.
Does Sharp Tudhope advise on capital raising & investment?
We have extensive experience advising on capital raisings, private equity, venture capital, limited partnerships, and syndications. We’ve helped establish investment funds and supported investors at every stage, from initial structuring through to ongoing compliance.
What makes Sharp Tudhope different from other commercial law firms?
We offer a partner-led service model, meaning senior, experienced lawyers are involved in your matter from day one. Our team combines deep knowledge of the Bay of Plenty business landscape with international experience, and we pride ourselves on providing practical, commercially focused advice at a fair price. Businesses have trusted us for generations, and we take that responsibility seriously.
