Qualifications
LLB, BA, Otago University of Otago
Admitted
2000, New Zealand
Nichola Hiatt specialises in corporate and commercial law, with particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, business reorganisations, corporate governance, financial services and regulatory compliance.
Before joining Chapman Tripp, Nichola spent 10 years in-house in the financial services sector, including in senior executive and General Counsel roles. She held commercial, operational, strategic and transactional responsibilities, leading legal, risk and compliance, governance, corporate and regulatory affairs, and stakeholder and regulator engagement.
Nichola is an experienced governance professional. She is currently an independent director of Booster Investment Management and Te Poho o Tamatea, having previously served as a director of Harbour Asset Management and BNZ Investment Services.
Recent highlights
- Advising DCP Capital on the New Zealand aspects of its acquisition of Vitaco Health Group, an Australia- and New Zealand-based manufacturer of sports nutrition products, dietary supplements and health foods, from Shanghai Pharmaceuticals and Primavera Capital. The acquisition was valued at approximately US$400 million.
- Leading the strategic acquisition of Consilium as General Counsel of FirstCape.
- Leading the restructure of Jarden and the establishment of Jarden Wealth as General Counsel, followed by the merger of Jarden Wealth and Harbour Asset Management with JBWere and BNZ Investment Services, and an equity investment by Pacific Equity Partners to establish FirstCape.
Affiliations
- Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.
