We are your
Finance Partner
Let’s take the red-tape off that opportunity.
We get it. Bad finance isn’t good for anyone.
We get it. Bad finance (or ‘dumb debt’ as we put it) isn’t good for anyone – for the lender or for the business.
Through our experience and working with many New Zealand businesses, we know that there are countless good, sound, and well considered ideas, projects and expansions that deserve a little more lateral thinking and support than is often not afforded them.
Which is what drives Merx. We’ve been working in Business Finance for over 15 years, and have been lending direct to clients for over five. We couple our focus on providing purpose-fit finance, with our ability to spot and assess a sound property project or business growth plan, to deliver funding resources that make goals a reality.
If you’re seeking a finance provider who is an expert in spotting sound business or property plans, and happy to invest in creating more New Zealand success stories, contact Merx today.
Looking for a finance provider to bring your dreams into reality?
Contact Merx today and discover how we can help
REQUEST A CALLMeet the experts behind Merx.
Brett Martelli
An experienced lawyer, Brett knows it is important for businesses to get the detail right – whether for business contracts or finance.
Over the past 21 years, Brett has worked as a solicitor for large firms in Sydney, London and Auckland. For the past ten years, at Heaney & Partners, Brett has specialised in dispute resolution, helping borrowers, lenders and building companies to resolve disputes about breaches of contract, security priorities, payment defaults and helping to negotiate settlements acceptable for all parties.
Having obtained considerable knowledge regarding business finance through his work with lenders and borrowers, Brett sought an opportunity in the business finance sector, and in 2015, began working with Andrew Dunning (Merx Director).
Brett commented: “I was looking for a financial services venture which suited my existing skills and knowledge. My experience advising borrowers and lenders meant Merx was an ideal fit. In my six years working in the business finance sector, it has been a real pleasure to provide finance to businesses for them to complete all kinds of property projects, purchase machinery and import/export stock to far off places like China and Peru. Partnering with business owners to help them grow and take advantage of opportunities has been very rewarding.”
“I was looking for a financial services venture which suited my existing skills and knowledge. My experience advising borrowers and lenders meant Merx was an ideal fit."
Tony Monteleone
Passionate about helping businesses realise potential and bring ideas to life – that’s an understatement when referring to Tony Monteleone. With decades of experience in finance, business development, business software training and mentoring, Tony is motivated by assisting business owners leverage opportunities, overcome barriers and cultivate efficiency – to turn potential into profit.
An accounting career of over 30 years, working in the financial software sector across multiple industries, coupled with his property development interests, both in New Zealand and Australia, has equipped Tony with exceptional expertise in business management and growth strategies – an ideal source of guidance and financial acumen for Merx clients.
When Tony was asked why he decided to partner with Merx Growth Fund, he pointed to the numerous examples he has seen over the years where a lack of expert analysis or consideration on the part of a mainstream lender has impeded the growth and potential of a promising well-run business.
Tony commented: “Fiscal responsibility and risk assessment is critical – for the borrower and the lender – but so is the ability to see past the black and white and properly evaluate a business without getting stuck on a particular barrier.”
Tony is a professional with huge amounts of energy, expert business acumen and financial knowledge; a trusted finance partner for businesses planning their next growth phase, or property developers seeking expertly structured project finance.
“I was drawn to Merx because it is run by smart finance people who do not rely on check-boxes, but rather have the expertise to understand a business – the vision and the nuts and bolts – and to help that business realise goals and potential. Responsible, fit-for-purpose finance – that’s a great fit for me.”
Andrew Dunning
Founder of Merx Growth Fund, Andrew is a highly experienced business lender who specialises in helping business owners and property developers realise goals, overcome challenges and reach their potential.
Andrew has over 17-years experience in the finance sector, commencing with a 10-year career at ANZ where he held roles including Regional Director Property Finance, and Senior Manager Commercial and Agri Banking.
During his time in the banking sector, Andrew recognised that many New Zealand businesses were not being well served by the mainstream banks. His interest in finance solutions for SMEs and property developers grew, and in 2013 he made his move to the alternative business finance sector, where he initially specialised in working capital finance.
In 2016, Andrew launched Merx Growth Fund, and since them has built a highly regarded business, known for smart, fit-for purpose finance for businesses and property developers.
As a business owner, and lender who backs client’s with his own funds, Andrew stresses the importance of working with a finance expert who understands the intricacies of commercial activity and how to structure finance to specific business needs.
“In business, whether starting, growing or maturing, smart finance is a crucial factor in achieving what you set out to. And to secure smart finance – when you need it and on terms that make sense – you need to work with an experienced lender who can see past the checklist and find solutions. You want a lender who thrives on working directly with clients to make their goals a reality.”
As an experienced business lender, Andrew applies his banking and finance background to a wide range of business finance scenarios, from helping clients ease cash flow obstacles, to finance for property development projects.
“In business, whether starting, growing or maturing, smart finance is a crucial factor in achieving what you set out to. And to secure smart finance - when you need it and on terms that make sense - you need to work with an experienced lender who can see past the checklist and find solutions.
Craig Brown
You would be hard-pressed to find someone with both Craig’s experience and passion for alternative business finance. He quite simply thrives on helping businesses succeed and grow through access to sound finance for their goals and vision.
With over 30 years in the finance sector, which started with a 14-year career at Westpac, for the past two decades Craig has specialised in alternative finance for New Zealand business. In the alternative business finance sector Craig’s roles have included Business Development at both Scottish Pacific and Lock Finance, and General Manager, also at Lock Finance.
Over his career, Craig has worked with businesses seeking working capital finance, property development finance, business funding for growth, import and trade finance and much more. But whatever the reason for finance and business objective, Craig applies an important principle:
“It is crucial to consider finance from multiple perspectives and, in doing so, ensure that you structure it the right way for your business needs and plans. What is the flow on affect of the finance? What is the exit strategy? What facets of your business need to be considered? There is a stark difference between lenders who simply facilitate transactions and lenders who help business owners properly and expertly consider their finance structures and the impacts of those on their goals and the bottom line.”
Which, Craig says, is one of the reasons he chose to be a consulting partner for Merx Growth Fund: “I’ve known Andrew Dunning (Merx Director) for many years, and have always been impressed by the smart, strategic approach Merx applies to their clients’ finance needs: for Merx, it is not merely a transaction; It is about fit-for-purpose funding that delivers value for the business or property developer.”
Widely considered one of the most experienced alternative finance experts in New Zealand, Merx is very pleased to be partnering with Craig. His depth of knowledge and experience is a considerable asset, as his obvious zeal for helping Kiwi businesses succeed.
“It is crucial to consider finance from multiple perspectives and, in doing so, ensure that you structure it the right way for your business needs and plans. What is the flow on affect of the finance? What is the exit strategy? What facets of your business need to be considered?