ISG sells 75% stake to Shaw & Partners for NZD $67.5 million

DLA Piper has provided legal counsel to Investment Services Group (ISG) on the sale of a 75% shareholding to Shaw and Partners, a firm owned by Switzerland-based financial group EFG International.

The transaction, valued at NZD $67.5 million, was finalised on 31 July 2025. The acquisition establishes a new partnership for ISG, which specialises in investment and wealth management services and oversees assets worth over NZD $7 billion.

Transaction details

ISG, headquartered in New Zealand, extends its services across wealth management, funds management, and its investment platform. The agreement with Shaw and Partners, described as one of Australia's prominent investment and wealth advisory businesses, is set to support ISG's future growth initiatives.

According to a statement issued by DLA Piper, Shaw and Partners' emphasis on developing long-term, trust-based client relationships matches ISG's approach to client partnerships.

Legal team involvement

DLA Piper corporate partner Reuben Woods and senior associate Steph McQuaid led the legal work. The Wellington team, overseen by partner Rachel Taylor and assisted by Boston Flanagan-Connors, provided significant input on vendor due diligence and regulatory matters.

Reuben Woods said, 

"We enjoyed working with ISG on this strategically important transaction. The sale marks a significant milestone for the company and positions it for continued growth in partnership with Shaw and Partners. It was a privilege to support Paul Glass and the ISG team through a competitive and complex process to achieve such a strong outcome."

Paul Glass, who serves as Executive Chair of ISG Group, highlighted the support provided by DLA Piper's legal team during the sale process:

"Reuben and Steph were fantastic to work with and added a lot of value to our transaction. We particularly appreciated their availability and commitment when the process became intense, timing became critical and the workload lifted significantly. We really enjoyed working with them as members of the team and hope to do so again in future."

Advisors and stakeholders

Murrays & Co acted as investment bankers for ISG, while Buddle Findlay advised Shaw and Partners on legal matters related to the acquisition.

Shaw and Partners' new majority position in ISG follows a trend of Australian and international firms seeking cross-border investment opportunities in New Zealand's financial sector. EFG International, the parent of Shaw and Partners, is listed on the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange and maintains a global presence in private banking and financial services.

Future outlook

The transaction is expected to give ISG access to expanded resources and expertise through its partnership with Shaw and Partners and, by extension, EFG International. Both companies have indicated a mutual focus on long-term strategies and the servicing of clients' wealth management needs, underpinned by a shared approach to trust and partnership.

Reuben Woods and Steph McQuaid of DLA Piper will remain involved as advisors as ISG completes the transition to its new ownership structure and integrates with the Shaw and Partners organisation.