Press Release
Friday 12 September 2014
Tavendale And Partners + Cooney Silva Evatt
Two of Canterbury’s pre-eminent law firms today announced their merger. Tavendale and Partners and Ashburton-based
Cooney Silva Evatt will join forces from 1 October.
Prompted by their shared strategic focus, this merger will undoubtedly raise the bar. The consolidated practice
envisages adding further value for clients through its in-depth understanding of key sectors that drive the region’s
economy.
Tavendale and Partners has a longstanding reputation for its legal practice across the primary industries. The Tavendale
name in particular is well known in agricultural circles throughout Canterbury, while Ashburton-based Director Andrew
Leete leads an astute commercial practice.
Cooney Silva Evatt is one of Mid-Canterbury’s oldest law firms and arguably one of New Zealand’s leading provincial
practices. Also with a particular strength in the agribusiness and commercial sectors, the firm is known for exemplary
advice, with Laurence Cooney remembered as one of Canterbury’s most respected legal practitioners. More recently Tim
Silva and Tom Evatt have guided the firm through a period of significant growth.
“The shared values, philosophy, and industry focus of the two firms provides the perfect platform for the merger. The
combined expertise this partnership will bring to the Mid-Canterbury region will be of strategic importance to our
clients,” says Mark Tavendale, Director of Tavendale and Partners.
“Our evaluation of the benefits of joining forces has highlighted our respective and complementary capabilities and
strengths”, adds Tim Silva, Director of Cooney Silva Evatt.
“A period of significant growth has prompted us to carefully consider the best way to continue delivery of exceptional
client service in the strong traditions of our firm, but also reflecting that the environment we operate in is becoming
increasingly sophisticated and specialised. Accordingly, we sought to partner with a firm with the range and depth of
experience needed to deliver all of the core services that our clients need and deserve, while allowing us to build on
our substantial mid-Canterbury agribusiness and commercial practice” said Silva.
The merged firms will trade under the Tavendale and Partners brand, providing existing and additional services with
fortified means and flair.
ENDS.