Melissa Higham

Background

Melissa Higham heads up Martelli McKegg’s Commercial Law team, supporting and mentoring team members and working closely with clients. She takes a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach to her work, giving her clients practical guidance and support throughout the process.

With over 25 years’ experience, Melissa has specialist knowledge across the commercial spectrum, from mergers and acquisitions to contract negotiation, finance and securities, and corporate advisory. She has worked in both New Zealand and England with clients from a wide range of industries, including grocery, manufacturing, healthcare, technology and finance. This depth of experience gives her a nuanced understanding of New Zealand and International law, which helps her offer tailored, industry-specific advice to all her clients.

Expertise

• Mergers and Acquisitions – business and share acquisitions and disposals, deal structuring and industry-specific matters in M&A transactions
• Corporate advisory services – ongoing corporate advice to clients, assisting with day-to-day legal matters, risk management and strategic planning to support clients’ long-term growth and success
• Contract negotiation and drafting – ensuring optimal protection of clients’ interests and alignment with strategic objectives, including terms of trade, supply arrangements, distribution agreements, intellectual property licenses, sponsorship agreements, franchise agreements and general and specific security agreements
• Corporate law – corporate governance, directors’ duties, restructurings, joint ventures, shareholder agreements and company secretarial duties.
• Structuring advice and implementation – incorporation of various entities including Companies, Partnerships, Limited Partnerships and Joint Ventures
• Advisory work – advising on compliance with applicable legislation
• Financing and securities – acting for borrowers and lenders, drafting and advising on security documentation