Simpson Grierson wraps up major mandate

Simpson Grierson has wrapped up work for a long-time client.

Solid Energy was successfully placed into solvent liquidation last month, concluding the firm’s work on the many matters that involved the defunct state-owned coal miner.

In the last five years, Simpson Grierson has advised Solid Energy on its major restructuring involving two complex creditors’ compromises, its entry into voluntary administration, the sale process for all of Solid Energy’s business and land, the handover of the Pike River mine to the new Pike River Recovery agency, and the eventual liquidation of the business.

Solid Energy’s administration is the nation’s the largest and most complex administration, as well as the first administration of a state-owned enterprise.

For its work throughout the years, Simpson Grierson took home the New Zealand Law Awards 2014 Deal of the Year for Solid Energy’s initial financial restructuring, and the New Zealand Law Awards 2016 Capital Markets Deal of the Year and New Zealand Deal of the Year nods for the company’s voluntary administration.

The firm’s lead partners in its work for Solid Energy were Kevin Jaffe and Josh Cairns. Partners James Craig and Michael Wood, as well as special advisor Steve Flynn also worked on numerous matters connected to Solid Energy.

Key members of the team include Tori Anderson, Nikolai Santamaria, David Hill, Tara Wylie, and Bronwyn Heenan.