The franchise is the last of the five New Zealand organisations to go through the licensing agreement, which brings in private money to the organisations.
The other four New Zealand franchises had their agreements confirmed more than a year ago but the Highlanders did not go through the process quite so quickly after concerns over their financial standing and viability.
However, the process began last year and, although it has taken a while, it now appears to be well into the home straight and may be all concluded within a couple of weeks.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said yesterday the Highlanders' licensing agreement was being worked on and was getting very close to being signed off.
An NZR board meeting was held in Auckland last Friday and a meeting of franchise chairman and chief executives also took place.
Tew said the Highlanders' licensing process was discussed.
''We are working our way through this and we are getting very close to a licensing agreement confirmed,'' he said.
''But there are a few final details to be resolved and then we will be able to make an announcement.''
The national union had deliberately waited for the Highlanders to get their finances in order before pressing into the process.
The Highlanders had been somewhat of an ugly child of the franchises for about 10 years after making the playoffs in 2002.
They struggled to draw crowds to Carisbrook and on the field were the least successful of the New Zealand teams.
The NZR underwrote the franchise for two years as the Highlanders struggled to balance the books.
But a new coaching and management regime and a move to Forsyth Barr Stadium has given the franchise a shot in the arm and it has also found success on the paddock.
The side made the playoffs last year - for the first time in 12 years - and then went all the way this season, making the final and triumphing over the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Tew admitted the success of the Highlanders assisted the licensing process.
''It is not unhelpful that they have had a very successful year.
''One of the best options and advantages that the Highlanders have is they play in the best venue in the country. They know it is going to be dry every game.''
He said that certainly helped create a good environment for the people who came to the stadium, and enjoyed the match live.
Tew said many parts of the franchise had aligned nicely and it was hoped to have an announcement on the new stakeholders in the licence by the end of the month.
It has been a long process, taking well over a year since the board gave the go-ahead to seek interest.
The licence holder gets to keep gate money and some sponsorship money while NZR maintains the broadcasting money and also pays the players.
The licence holder has to pay certain costs such as additional coaches and marketing fees.
Provincial unions have been a partner in the other four franchises but a lack of finance may make it hard for the likes of Otago and Southland to be involved.
