Jess Hope

Senior Associate

Jess is a corporate lawyer specialising in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic transactions. She advises founders, boards and investors on mid-market and cross-border deals, and has broad experience in commercial and banking and finance matters, with a focus on delivering practical, commercially aligned outcomes.

In addition to her transactional work, Jess advises on foreign investment under the Overseas Investment Act, as well as commercial contracting and financing arrangements that support deal execution. Her ability to integrate corporate, commercial and financing considerations allows her to provide end-to-end advice across the transaction lifecycle.

Jess acts for clients across a range of sectors, with a focus on technology, energy and renewables, and consumer-facing businesses. She also has experience working with international clients and on cross-border transactions.

Before re-joining Duncan Cotterill, Jess practised at an international law firm in London, where she specialised in mergers and acquisitions. This experience gives her a strong understanding of international deal dynamics and offshore investor requirements.

Recent highlights

  • Advised a TSX- and NYSE-listed IT and consulting services company on its acquisition of a UK-based technology and engineering consultancy.*
  • Advised a leading global sports retailer on its expansion into Australasia.*
  • Advised Mainpower on a range of corporate, commercial and financing matters, including the Mt Cass Wind Farm project and refinancing with its principal bankers.
  • Advised the shareholders of an AI-powered vision systems company on an exit to an NYSE-listed overseas purchaser.
  • Advised the owners of BuildersCrack on the sale to ASX-listed HiPages Group.
  • Advised the shareholders of Pacific Radiology Group on its sale to Infratil.
  • Advised Polar Capital LP on its acquisition of JUCY Group via pre-pack receivership, and subsequent divestments.
  • Advised the board of NZX-listed Smiths City on its pre-packaged receivership sale.

*UK experience

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