RICKY WILSON/FAIRFAX NZ

The Overseas Investment Office has approved the sale of James Barker businesses to an Australian private equity firm.

Wellington's Bluebridge ferry service is among a parcel of business interests approved for sale to Australian firms last month.

The Overseas Investment Office (OIO) has released details of three transactions it approved in February.

Apollo Bidco, a New Zealand firm owned by Australian private equity fund manager Champ IV Management, bought six companies from the James Barker Shipping Trust and James Barker Family Trust.

The amount of the sale is withheld but it was more than $100 million. The sale was announced in December but required the green light from the OIO.

READ MORE: Obituary: Transport giant Jim Barker's legacy will be felt for decades to come

As well as Bluebridge, Apollo Bidco picked up Freight Lines and Eagle Holdings, and other James Barker businesses. 

Barker died last year.

Another Australian buyer, Pacific Equity Partners, which owns Patties Group, a supplier of frozen savouries and pies bought Food partners, which produces Leader Products. The company is a major supplier to Subway in Australasia and Asia.

"Food Partners Limited is seen as complementary with the existing Patties business in Australia and will form an integral part of the Patties Group. Patties consider that there is the opportunity to leverage Patties' existing customer relationships and distribution networks to sell Food Partners Limited's products into Australia across several channels," the OIO said.

Meanwhile, Zhejian Rifa Holding Group, based in China was granted approval to buy up to 100 per cent of the issued share capital in Airwork Holdings.

It wants to operate Airwork as part of its broader general aviation business. 

 - Stuff