Wayne Atkinson > Collas Crill > St Peter Port, Guernsey > Lawyer Profile

Collas Crill supports fund managers in a number of niche areas – including medicinal cannabis and cryptocurrency assets – and is growing its ties to the South African funds market, while also continuing to advise on fund formations and regulatory matters, including GFSC investigations. Wayne Atkinson heads the team, advising fund managers on capital raising, fund formation and ongoing management, with particular expertise in sustainable funds. Gareth Morgan has in-depth knowledge of the South African funds market, assisting clients with regulatory applications and the setting up of cross-border structures. Consultant Paul Wilkes counts hedge, private equity, venture capital and real estate fund managers among his clients.

Collas Crill offers its clients multi-faceted banking and finance expertise, advising funds and family offices on financing matters in addition to its core specialisms of real estate and Sharia-compliant financing. Wayne Atkinson heads the practice, supporting lenders and borrowers involved in major commercial real estate transactions. Simon Heggs‘ broad practice encompasses real estate and fund financing, while Ben Le Page, promoted to senior associate in August 2022, is noted for his lender-side work, with further expertise in Islamic finance. Senior associate Ian Petherbridge joined the team from Eversheds Sutherland’s Durban office in March 2022, strengthening the firm’s project finance offering.

The ‘strong skillset and knowledge’ of the Collas Crill team allows it to assist with a range of advisory, transactional and regulatory matters, particularly in regulated sectors, including the medicinal cannabis and mining industries. Practice head Wayne Atkinson ‘thinks outside of the box’ when advising companies on regulations affecting their operations, and also regularly assists with M&A deals. Consultant Paul Wilkes specialises in investment fund transactions, while Simon Heggs is noted for his listed M&A practice. Senior associate Ben Le Page works alongside the firm’s Jersey, BVI and Cayman teams, handling cross-border M&A.

Collas Crill receives instruction from both listed clients and those seeking debt or equity listings on TISE. Advising on the structuring of listed securities, public M&A and the migration of listed companies to Guernsey are all core areas of strength. Wayne Atkinson heads the firm’s corporate team, with expertise advising investment funds on fundraising, transactions and regulatory requirements for listings. Simon Heggs is the firm’s capital markets specialist, focusing on issues concerning public equity and debt, and assisting with listings on TISE and the LSE. Senior associate Ian Petherbridge joined the practice from Eversheds Sutherland South Africa’s Durban office in June 2022, bringing with him expertise in debt transactions.