July 16, 2026
Category:
Articles
We acted for the Elliot family in a transaction that has drawn national and international interest: Chanel’s investment in Lammermoor Station, one of New Zealand’s leading fine wool properties.
For us, the work grew out of an established relationship. We had been working alongside the family for around two years before this opportunity took shape. Chanel and Lammermoor Station had been in discussion for several years prior, and when the transaction reached a point where specialist advice was needed, the Elliots turned to a team who understood both their business and the character of the property.
The legal work was led by Andrew Thomas, supported by colleagues Anna McCartin, Jo Nikora and Emelye Brown. The connection came through an existing relationship between Susie Elliot and Toni Brown, one of the firm’s consultants, reflecting the way regional practices often grow from long standing personal and professional ties. The firm brought that relationship, and its collective expertise, to a transaction of this scale.
What followed was a complex piece of work with many moving parts. The transaction touched on a wide range of legal and commercial considerations, including overseas investment requirements, sensitive land issues, leasing arrangements, joint venture structuring, shareholder agreements, rural property matters, and long term operational planning. It was the kind of matter that called for broad expertise, steady coordination and a practical, solutions-focused approach across our firm. Public reporting has highlighted Chanel’s interest in securing long term access to high quality New Zealand merino wool, and Lammermoor Station has long been recognised for the calibre of its wool fibre and as New Zealand’s only certified organic fine wool producer. The transaction has been viewed as a positive development for the rural sector and a strong endorsement of the work New Zealand growers are doing in the fine wool space.
Throughout the process, the focus remained on supporting the Elliot family with clear, practical advice. Although the transaction involved an international luxury brand, the core of the work was familiar: helping a family make well informed decisions about the future of a significant rural asset.
As Andrew Thomas reflects:
“We were pleased to act for the Elliot family on such a significant transaction. It was a complex piece of work involving a number of legal and commercial considerations, and it called for a real team approach across the firm.”
The Lammermoor and Chanel story has captured attention not only because of the global brand involved, but because it highlights the strength and potential of New Zealand’s fine wool industry. Lammermoor Station has a long history of producing high quality merino wool, and the transaction represents a positive signal for the future of the sector.
For us, the experience reinforces the important role regional firms play in major transactions. With deep local knowledge, long standing client relationships and broad legal capability, we are well placed to support significant and complex work, including matters involving international parties and nationally important rural assets.
The firm thanks the Elliot family for their instructions on a transaction that forms part of a significant New Zealand story.
