Monomeric complexes of nickel(II) having terdentate bis(imino)aryl ligands (N,C,N-pincer) are reported. New complexes (2,6-(ArN=CH)2C6H3)NiBr (Ar=2,6-dimethylphenyl (1), 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (2)) have been synthesized through oxidative addition of 1,3-(ArN=CH)2C6H3Br (bis(N-Ar)-2-bromoisophthalaldimine: Ar=Ph-2,6-Me2, Ph-2,6-iPr2) to Ni(COD)2 (COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene), in high yields. The development of a synthetic route to ligands and nickel complexes is outlined. The complexes were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. Full characterization of complexes 1 and 2 is discussed. An investigation into the catalytic activity of the complexes in ethylene polymerization was performed, resulting in no formation of polyethylenes but producing a small amount of oily oligomers. Preliminary results indicate that the pincer complexes were found to be inactive as catalysts in ethylene polymerization.