The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Ogier is a first tier firm,

Ogier is ‘responsive and diligent: exactly what you hope for in local counsel’. The practice acted for Deutsche Bank in relation to Colfax Corporation’s £1.5bn acquisition of Charter International, implemented as a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement in Jersey. Global banking and finance head Christopher Byrne is ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’. Jersey managing partner Matthew Swan , Raulin Amy , Michael Lombardi and Marc Yates are also key contacts.

Within Commercial property, Ogier is a first tier firm,

Ogier was joined by Walkers’ former property head Julie Melia. The team advised Drumcoille Holdings on a pre-let and long lease of State Street Corporation’s headquarters. Jonathan Hughes is recommended, and senior associate Katharine Marshall recently joined from Pitmans LLP. Chris Renouf has stepped down as property head, remaining as part-time consultant; Peter Bertram is set to leave the firm at the end of January 2013; and Martin Le Boutillier joined Collas Crill.

Within Corporate and commercial, Ogier is a first tier firm,

Ogier ‘provides succinct, problem-solving advice’. The practice acted as Jersey legal adviser to the underwriters in connection with the primary and secondary listing of Glencore International on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges. It also assisted Kentz Corporation on its move to the main market of the London Stock Exchange. Raulin Amy heads the group, and Niamh Lalor is ‘personable, rational and quick’. Marc Yates is also recommended.

Within Dispute resolution, Ogier is a first tier firm,

Ogier successfully acted in a significant decision on what constitutes a company being an organ of the state such that its assets are rendered available to the state’s creditors. Edward Mackereth is department head, and Nigel Sanders and Matthew Thompson are also recommended. Kerry Lawrence stepped down as a partner, but remains a part-time consultant.

Within Employment, Ogier is a second tier firm,

Ogier advises across several sectors, and defends and prosecutes claims involving the protection of business assets and reputations. Highlights included advising on the acquisition of the Grand Hotel, involving employee transfers. Department head Matthew Thompson and Michael Little are highly rated.

Within Investment funds, Ogier is a second tier firm,

Ogier is ‘a thoroughly professional firm with a good client service attitude’. Its existing client base makes up approximately 20% of Jersey’s funds market, and it is a leading firm for advising unregulated funds domiciled in Jersey. The team acted as Jersey legal adviser to ICG in relation to the launch of the ICG Europe Fund V. Team head Michael Lombardi is ‘a good communicator, and always quick to respond to issues raised’. Other key partners include Tim Morgan , who impresses with his ‘cutting-edge knowledge of market developments’; and Nick Kershaw .

Within Regional review,

If Waitrose’s acquisition of Safeway was 2010’s deal of the year in Jersey, for 2011 it was Glencore International’s IPOs. Leaving Glencore valued at approximately $60bn and one of the largest companies on the FTSE 100 index, this was by far the largest transaction the island has seen in recent times, and was London’s largest fundraising on record. Mourant Ozannes acted as sole Jersey legal adviser to Glencore International on its London and Hong Kong primary and secondary listing, and Ogier was Jersey legal adviser to the underwriters. Other high-profile deals included the flotation of Jersey company Vallares on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

Within Private client, trusts and tax, Ogier is a first tier firm,

Recommended for ‘high-value, bespoke structuring’, Ogier’s ‘advice is concise and practical, as well as prompt’. The firm has a leading non-contentious trust team in Jersey, and assisted with foundations established for clients. The practice also works closely with the firm’s litigation team. Steve Meiklejohn is ‘outstanding’, and Sally Edwards is ‘practical and easy to work with’.

Within Structured finance and securitisation, Ogier is a first tier firm,

‘Delivering to deadlines’, Ogier acts on establishing and operating offshore SPVs and listing agent services in relation to listings of debt. Christopher Byrne ‘focuses on delivery’, and Nicholas Ward ‘cuts through the issues’.’Excellent lawyer’ Michael Lombardi , Matthew Swan and Raulin Amy are experienced practitioners.