The Legal 500

Ogier is delighted to announce the appointment of Ray Ng as a senior member of its Litigation team in the British Virgin Islands.

Ogier has advised INEOS, Britain’s largest privately-owned company (approx. GBP 9bn), in relation to the successful restructuring of one of its debt facilities. Ogier also provides corporate services to various INEOS group entities.

Ogier has advised large Jersey business CPA Global on the disposal by its shareholders of a significant minority stake to Intermediate Capital Group (“ICG”) and their funds under management who will be investing in CPA Global alongside its management team.

Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services, has acted as Jersey and Guernsey counsel to Four Seasons Healthcare in relation to the successful restructuring of its £1.5 billion debt facilities. Ogier also provides associated professional director and fiduciary services to the group.

Ogier has acted as BVI counsel to Nobel Oil, a Russian oil and gas company, on its joint venture with China Investment Corporation. This joint venture is understood to be the first Russian-Chinese joint venture in the Russian oil and gas industry.

Ogier continues to earn accolades for its legal services having just picked up two more awards. This time, the Ogier BVI and Guernsey offices have been voted as the best law firms in their jurisdictions at the Fund Domiciles.com, Service Provider Awards. This is the first time either of these offices has been singled out as the leading firms in their respective jurisdictions and is recognition of the prominent position we have established in both the BVI and Guernsey legal markets. We now have considerable strength in depth in both these offices and it is a testament to the quality of the teams we have in place there that has earned us these latest endorsements.

Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal, trust and administration services, has appointed eight new partners across its network of offices.

Ogier, one of the leading offshore legal and fiduciary firms, has announced plans to offer Guernsey and Jersey services in Asia. In May, Guernsey and Jersey lawyers will be relocating to the firm’s Hong Kong office, where the firm has an established BVI and Cayman legal practice. This latest move comes in response to increased client demand for Channel Islands legal and fiduciary services in the Asian time zone. This is yet another first for Ogier as it will be the first time that Guernsey and Jersey lawyers will operate in this region.

Ogier BVI has had a very busy year. 2009 brought a number key lateral hires to the firm, including Ray Wearmouth, who joined from Harney Westwood & Riegels and Gareth Thomas from Conyers and Codan Trust; the firm won numerous prestigious awards, including “Offshore Law Firm of the Year” at the British Legal Awards and Michael Fay was announced as the BVI's managing partner.

Ogier's BVI office has worked on three takeovers in quick succession. Starting in London the BVI corporate team worked with Herbert Smith on London listed ENRC's takeover of AIM listed CAMAC. Moving on to NASDAQ the office acted for the acquiror on the takeover of OpenTV, which was effected by an open offer. Finally, working alongside Skadden Arps the team is currently advising NASDAQ listed FGX International on the recommended bid from Essilor International. A BVI statutory merger is being used to effect the takeover which was recently announced.

Ogier has earned yet another accolade for its legal services. This time International Custody & Fund Administration Magazine has recognised Ogier as the leading European legal services provider in 2009.

For the second year in succession Ogier has been named “Offshore Law Firm of the Year” at the British Legal Awards. This award is one of the most coveted amongst offshore law firms and is recognition of the prominence the firm plays in the offshore world. The event, hosted by Legal Week, is a highlight in the legal calendar and was attended by over 800 industry professionals. British Legal Awards - Ogier named as Offshore Law Firm of the Year 2009

A cross departmental Ogier team has acted for LXB Retail Properties Plc in relation to the admission to trading on AIM and the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) of its entire issued share capital. LXB Retail Properties Plc is a newly formed, Jersey-incorporated, closed-ended real estate investment company.

Ogier is acting as Jersey counsel to Rio Tinto Alcan on the sale of its European Food, Global Pharmaceutical and Global Tobacco segments of its Packaging Division to the Australian based Amcor Limited in a deal value of at slightly more than US$2 billion. Amcor is a leading global packaging manufacturer offering a broad range of plastic, fibre, metal and glass packaging products, along with packaging-related services.

Ogier has once again picked up the coveted 2009 "Alpha Award" for Top Offshore Law Firm. Having won this in 2006 and 2007, it is a significant achievement to add this to our 2009 awards collection.

Ogier has advised on a transaction to combine the businesses of KKR & Co. L.P. (collectively with certain affiliates, “KKR”) and KKR Private Equity Investors, L.P. (“KPE”), which has been renamed KKR & Co. (Guernsey) L.P., (“KKR Guernsey”), a Guernsey closed-ended fund quoted on Euronext (previously under the ticker “KPE”, now using the ticker “KKR”).

Ogier has acted as Guernsey legal adviser on the establishment of Burford Capital Limited ("Burford"), a litigation financing investment fund. Burford has raised approximately US$130 million through the successful placing of its ordinary shares in connection with its initial public offering on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange plc. Dealing in Burford's ordinary shares will commence on 21 October 2009.

Ogier has advised the Islamic Development Bank in the recently completed update to IDB’s $1.5bn sukuk trust certificate programme.

OGIER has joined forces with Offshore Professional Conferences to stage the 3rd annual Investment Funds Update Conference in Jersey.

Ogier acts as Jersey legal adviser to RREEF Alternative Investments in purchase of Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham.

Ogier has advised the Islamic Development Bank in the recently completed update to IDB’s $1.5bn sukuk trust certificate programme.

Ogier acted as Jersey legal adviser to RREEF Spezial Invest GmbH, part of RREEF Alternative Investments on their purchase of the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre in Durham from BlackRock for £60 million. The prime freehold city centre scheme provides approximately 155,000 square feet in two uncovered malls consisting of 43 unit shops. The shopping centre was developed 10 years ago and is the dominant retail provision in Durham.

Ogier in Jersey and Guernsey have received impressive rankings in the latest edition of The Legal 500. Once again Ogier is the only Jersey law firm to receive first tier ranking in all eight categories covered, and Ogier Guernsey remains a tier one firm for commercial and banking work, and is placed in tier two for their other practice areas.

After 21 years as a Partner, of which over 15 have been involved in managing and developing the business, Jonathan White has decided to stand down as a Partner of Ogier. Whilst he remains deeply committed to Ogier, Jonathan believes that the time is right for him to step aside and to develop other interests.

New Zealand has signed tax information exchange agreements with the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, bringing to 12 the number of agreements that the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands have on exchange of information for tax purposes.

Ogier recently advised Arden Asset Management LLC on its agreement with J.P. Morgan under which Arden is managing a $1.1 billion proprietary hedge fund of funds portfolio for J.P. Morgan's investment banking division. J.P. Morgan's investment bank has seeded several new Arden funds and has invested in one of Arden's current flagship funds with these assets.

Ogier is delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Thomas as Managing Director of Ogier Fiduciary Services (BVI) Ltd

Ogier has been nominated as a finalist for the award 'Offshore Law Firm of the Year 2009'

Ogier is delighted to announce the appointment of Marina Kozlova as a member of its global Russia and CIS Practice.

Ogier has agreed to be a premier sponsor of the Channel Islands Stock Exchange's International Business Summit on 11th September 2009. It will be the first event of its type to be held in the Channel Islands and the inaugural event will be held in Guernsey with a view of alternating the venue with Jersey in future

Andrew Munro and Kerrie Le Tissier were called to the Guernsey Bar on Monday 6th July, 2009. They have both successfully completed the Guernsey Bar exams and the Certificat d’Études Juridiques Françaises et Normandes from Caen University, which required three months study at the French University.

Ogier has advised Al Salam Bank-Bahrain B.S.C in connection with its first transaction in the UK real estate sector. Using Shari'ah compliant financing the deal is a joint venture with private equity and investment banking firm Evans Randall. Ogier provided the bank with Jersey legal advice on all aspects of the transaction and worked with Herbert Smith teams in London and Dubai to ensure the transaction met the Shari'ah requirements of the client.

70 Year 5/6 students from around the island attended a creative writing course held at various primary schools recently as part of the Extended Curriculum Programme organised by Education, Sport and Culture and supported by Ogier Jersey.

Ogier has earned another endorsement for its funds expertise following the announcement by ACQ Finance Magazine of their Global Award winners for 2009. This time, the firm picked up the title of “Overall Private Funds Law Firm of the Year”.

Ogier has been named “Best Offshore Law Firm, 2009” at the HFM Week Service Provider Awards held in London.

Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services, has appointed Marcus Hawgood as Head of Treasury Services, focusing on enhancing the management of client cash assets. Marcus joins Ogier from Computer Patent Annuities where he was Group Treasurer.

Ogier has been named “International Law Firm of the Year, 2009” at the annual Citywealth Magic Circle Awards held in London last night. The Citywealth Magic Circle Awards shine a spotlight on those individuals and organisations who have raised the bar in terms of service, innovation and client care. These coveted awards, from the publishers of Citywealth, set the benchmark for excellence in the wealth sector.

Ogier is delighted to announce the appointment of Ray Wearmouth as an Ogier Group Partner in the firm's BVI office.

03 April 2009 - Ogier has announced another senior appointment to its expanding operations in Guernsey. Bob Banfield joined the firm as Managing Director of Ogier Fiduciary Services (Guernsey) Limited on 1st April 2009.

03/03/2009  - Ogier has acted as the Jersey legal adviser on the establishment of Index Ventures' fifth fund in the last ten years. Index V which closed at Euro 350 million is an early stage technology fund focusing on investment in the technology, biotechnology and clean technology sectors across Europe, the United States and Israel. The Fund was established under Jersey's expert fund regime.

12/03/2009 - Ogier has been awarded honourable mentions for its winning role in one of "Asian-Counsel Deals of the Year 2008" for the following deal:

24/02/2009 - Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services, has appointed Ian Cain as Director and Head of Ogier Private Wealth. Ian joins Ogier from Goldman Sachs where he was Head of UK Strategic Wealth Advisory. 

24/02/2009 - Ogier is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Fay, as Managing Partner of Ogier BVI.

20/02/2009 - Ogier has announced a new group management team.

19 February 2009 - Ogier is pleased to announce that a new associate, Takesh Nakayama, has joined its Hong Kong office. Takesh will advise on finance, capital markets and corporate transactions.

26/01/2009 - Ogier has acted as Guernsey legal adviser on the establishment of CapMan Plc’s ninth buyout fund. The fund had its first closing on 23 December 2008, raising EUR203 million.

for BVI’s adherence to International Anti-Money Laundering/Com

26/01/2009 - Ogier has welcomed the news announced on 5 January by the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Financial Services Commission (FSC) that according to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), the territory adheres to International Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) principles and is largely compliant with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 40+9 Recommendations. The CFATF’s third round Mutual Evaluation Report highlights the tremendous efforts undertaken by the BVI since its last report in 2002 to ensure compliance and recognised the territory’s commitment to the establishment of standards in legal, law enforcement, regulatory and international cooperation matters.

08/01/2009 - Ogier Corporate Finance Limited’s latest listing on the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) is a landmark listing in the Exchange’s history - being the 3000th security to be admitted to the official list.

01/12/2008 - Ogier announces the appointment of Simon Dinning to the partnership with effect from the 1st December 2008. Simon will continue to lead the British Virgin Islands and Cayman legal offerings from London.

20/10/2008  - Ogier has advised Intermediate Capital Group PLC ("ICG"), a leading mezzanine and leveraged loan investor and third party fund manager, on the US$1.0 billion Intermediate Capital Asia Pacific Fund 2008 ("Fund II").

12/11/2008  - Ogier has advised Centrica plc, the London Stock Exchange energy generation and supply company, on it's proposed £2.2bn cash box rights issue.  The rights issue is to be underwritten by Goldman Sachs International, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, UBS Limited, Barclays Bank PLC, BNP Paribas and HSBC Bank plc.  The company has announced it intends to use the proceeds of the rights issue to fund a potential acquisition of 25 per cent interest in a SPV which itself is to acquire British Energy Group plc, the leading supplier of nuclear energy in the United Kingdom.  The acquisition of the SPV's shares is subject to further agreement with Electricité de France and, to regulator and shareholder approval.

27/11/2008  - Ogier Guernsey has advised Irish tidal renewable energy company OpenHydro on its purchase of a substantial equity interest in Alderney Renewable Energy Limited ("ARE").

29/10/2008  - Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services announced that it has opened new offices in Bahrain and Tokyo as it further expands its network worldwide.  The global expansion is at the heart of Ogier's strategy to provide the most innovative and comprehensive multi-jurisdictional services, through a significant presence in each of the world's key financial centres and across all time zones.

27/11/2008  - Ogier was named "Offshore Law Firm of the Year, 2008" at the British Legal Awards last night. The event, hosted by Legal Week, is one of the most prestigious in the legal calendar and was attended by over 800 industry professionals.  Ogier has won a number of industry awards in recent years and this latest success is a huge endorsement for the firm from one of the most respected legal publishers. 

Keypoint, a leading independent accounting and advisory services firm based in Bahrain and Ogier, one of the largest providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services have joined forces to create a new professional services firm in Bahrain.

Ogier has walked away with yet another coveted hedge fund industry award, this time for its work in the Latin American region. The firm picked up “Best Law Firm” for expertise in offshore jurisdictions at the Hedge Fund World Latin America Awards ceremony and gala dinner in Miami. Martin Litwak, who co-heads Ogier group’s Latin-American Practice with Cayman partner Giorgio Subiotto, accepted the prize on behalf of Ogier. The competition comprised all lawyers servicing Latin American hedge fund managers and international managers investing in the region and was recognition of Ogier’s achievements and contributions to the development of the industry.

Ogier has walked away with yet another coveted hedge fund industry award marking its leadership in the offshore investment funds arena.

Ogier has advised on the merger of two leading fund administration firms to create a major global force in the fund administration industry. Fulcrum Group, a leading global administrator for hedge funds and the alternative asset management industry, backed by global private equity firm, 3i, and Butterfield Fund Services (BFS), a top-twenty provider of administration services for investment and pension funds and part of The Bank of N. T. Butterfield & Son Limited (Butterfield), has announced, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals, an agreement to merge the two businesses to create Butterfield Fulcrum Group (BFG).

Ogier received a huge endorsement for its legal services with impressive rankings in the 2008 edition of the highly regarded Legal 500 Directory.

Ogier, one of the leading providers of offshore legal and fiduciary services, has partnered with the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association (CITA) to host the 2008 Ogier Stroke & Stride race series.

Jonathan White is to step down from his position as Ogier Group Chairman at the end of January 2009. Jonathan has been closely involved in the management and strategic growth of Ogier as Managing Partner and then Group Chairman for approximately 18 years.

Ogier Corporate Finance Limited has sponsored its 350th listing on the Channel Islands Stock Exchange (CISX) and remains the leading listing agent on the CISX.  Of this number, 301 securities remain listed which equates to over 13% of all entities listed on the Exchange since its inception in 1998.

Ogier Fiduciary Services has been recognised for its high quality administration services, having recently earned nominations for three industry awards.

Ogier has announced the appointment of three new partners to the Ogier Group, Simon Schilder, based in the BVI, Caroline Chan, based in Guernsey, and Tim Morgan, based in Jersey.