Firms To Watch: Corporate and commercial

Led by Gary Smith, Loeb Smith Attorneys‘ corporate practice handles M&A, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, corporate finance work and private equity investments, with a focus on the blockchain, fintech and financial services sectors.

Corporate and commercial in Cayman Islands

Maples Group

As one of the largest groups in the Cayman Islands, Maples Group‘s corporate team advises on a vast range of takeovers, M&A, IPOs, SPACs, joint ventures, regulatory issues and general corporate and commercial advisory matters. Practice chair Matthew Gardner has considerable experience in public and private M&A, financings, IPOs, joint ventures and restructurings, while Suzanne Correy‘s focus is on structured finance, capital markets and investment fund transactions, especially in the Latin American region. The team also houses Daniel Lee, whose focus is on public takeovers and private equity transactions; Shari Seymour and Finn O’Hegarty, who are both noted for their work on joint venture arrangements, IPOs and restructurings; and SPAC expert Michael Johns. Newly promoted partner Kerry Ann Phillips handles restructurings and reorganisations, investment fund structuring, and investments in Latin America.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Gardner


Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Correy; Daniel Lee: Shari Seymour; Finn O’Hegarty; Michael Johns; Kerry Ann Phillips; Kieran Walsh


Testimonials

‘Maples team is definitively the best in its class in the Cayman Islands and in BVI. The partners (seniors and more juniors) are extremely engaged with the projects and are very aware of the projects’ developments. Maples stands out when issues arise in the project, as they react fast and efficiently.’

‘Matthew Gardner remains a composed, personable lawyer. From Matthew you get direct, relevant and timely advice and he remains contactable and personable at all times.’

‘I have been working with Maples for many years and I have been always very happy with the level of service received from the team of partner Kieran Walsh. He stands out in his attention to detail and it is a very trustworthy person to work with. His commitment to the clients’ projects is absolute.’

‘Kerry Ann Phillips was the best associate to work with at Maples Cayman, and now as a partner I’m absolutely sure that she will be a fantastic partner, with very precise comments and deep attention to details.’

Key clients

Noble Corporation


Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. IV


Thoma Bravo


TH International Ltd.


Arclight Clean Transition Corp. II


Jefferies Holdings I Limited


Inflection Point Acquisition Corp.


Inversiones Galilea S.A (a subsidiary of Ecomsur Holdings S.A)


O2Micro International Limited


KoBold Metals


TPG


Nordic Aviation Capital


Walkers

Walkers fields a cross-practice team of experienced practitioners, who are regularly sought out by clients for capabilities in de-SPAC and M&A transactions. Rob Jackson regularly advises on share acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements, IPOs and corporate restructurings, while global managing partner Ingrid Pierce also leads the investment funds group. Both Caroline Williams and Melissa Lim are noted for their expertise in M&A and joint ventures, with Lim also focusing on fintech transactions including blockchain projects and digital assets. Hugh Anderson specialises in M&A and IPOs, an area in which Justin Hart is also active. Andrew Barker regularly advises leading investment managers and private equity sponsors on fund structuring issues, joint ventures, acquisitions and disposals. Commercial transaction expert Jason Allison is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Rob Jackson; David Collins; Ingrid Pierce; Caroline Williams; Melissa Lim; James Burch


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Barker; Hugh Anderson; Jason Allison; Justin Hart


Testimonials

‘Very responsive; excellent ability to handle multiple jurisdictions seamlessly.’

‘The Walkers team is fantastic to work with. They’re knowledgeable, have great market visibility and are very commercial and practical.’

‘Andrew Barker is a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Athletic Greens International Inc.


Azorra Aviation Holdings LLC


BlackRock


Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC


BroadPeak Global


Cerberus


CVC Capital Partners


Enfoca SAFI


EPIC Private Equity LLP


First Reserve Corporation


Hellman & Friedman


IHS Holding Limited


Moonlake Immunotherapeutics AG


Oakhill Advisors


Oaktree Capital Management


Platinum Equity Advisors LLC


ProKidney LLC


The Blackstone Group


The Carlyle Group


Work highlights


  • Advised COVA Acquisition Corp, a company listed on Nasdaq, on its merger with mobility tech company ECARX Holdings Inc.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Oaktree Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company, on its $2.25bn business combination with Alvotech Holdings.
  • Advised Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, an independent provider of aerial firefighting services in the US, on the Cayman law aspects of its business combination with the Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman special purpose acquisition company.

Mourant

Recognised as ‘very strong in corporate and regulatory capabilities and a known leader on the island’, Mourant regularly advises on a wide range of transactions, including M&A, equity capital markets, and SPACs. Managing partner of the Cayman office Hayden Isbister is known for his in-depth corporate and commercial expertise, and for regularly advising on joint venture arrangements and SPACs, while Neal Lomax‘s wide-ranging corporate and commercial expertise makes him ‘one of the strongest investment fund and M&A lawyers in the Caribbean’. Ramesh Maharaj focuses on corporate transactions including takeovers, take-privates, M&A , joint ventures, SPACs and IPOs, while Catherine Pham leads the Cayman finance, corporate and funds practice.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Pham


Other key lawyers:

Hayden Isbister; Neal Lomax; Ramesh Maharaj


Testimonials

‘They are go-to firm in Cayman. Helpful, responsive and highly sophisticated. Very strong in corporate and regulatory capabilities and a known leader on the island.’

‘Neal Lomax is undoubtedly one of the strongest investment fund and M&A lawyers in the Caribbean. He is a trusted adviser to some of the biggest players in the region.’

‘They take time to understand your business (its like working with an extension of your internal team) and what you are trying to achieve.’

‘Very approachable, willing to think outside the box to assist in achieving objectives and always approach each task in a pragmatic and commercial manner.’

‘Hayden Isbister and team are absolute stand-outs. On the pulse, commercial and highly rated. They understand the needs of global clients and are ready to unlock complex scenarios for our clients.’

‘Ramesh Maharaj – very bespoke understanding of clients’ positions financially and willingness to find practical solutions. Excellent rapport with clients and trustworthy as a practitioner and resource.’

Key clients

Ares Special Committee


SuperBac Biotechnology Solutions S.A


Optiver Group


Semantix Tecnologia em Sistema de Informação S.A.


Global Forest Partners LP


L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp


Work highlights


  • Represented the Special Committee in connection with business combination between X Energy Reactor Co and Ares Acquisition Corp, resulting in a publicly traded company valued at $2bn.
  • Advised Optiver Group on its intended acquisition of Traxys SARL.
  • Represented Semantix on its business combination with Alpha Capital Acquisition Company worth $693m which valued Semantix at $1bn.

Ogier

Ogier‘s corporate and commercial practice is well known for routinely advising banks, financial institutions, corporates and high-net-worth individuals on M&A and SPAC transactions, IPOs and joint ventures. Team head Bradley Kruger specialises in private equity acquisitions and disposals, while Angus Davison advises key banking clients and investment funds on the full gamut of corporate and finance work, including SPAC IPOs, de-SPAC transactions, M&A and securitisations. As a part of the firm's Latin American team, James Heinicke routinely acts for clients located in the region focusing on corporate restructurings and recovery work, while Cynthia Anandajayasekeram‘s extensive experience ranges from advising on public and private M&A transactions, private equity work and joint ventures, to equity capital markets issues, corporate advisory work and restructuring matters. Corporate and investment funds expert Giorgio Subiotto is also recommended for Latin America-focused work.

Practice head(s):

Bradley Kruger


Other key lawyers:

Angus Davison; James Henicke; Cynthia Anandajayasekeram; Giorgio Subiotto


Testimonials

‘Ogier has a strong presence in the Cayman Islands, which provides them with in-depth knowledge and expertise in offshore financial services, including funds, corporate services, and international finance. It also has an extensive international network. This global reach allows them to serve clients with cross-border legal needs effectively. And, they prioritize building long-term client relationships and providing responsive, practical legal advice.’

‘Ogier’s team members have a global outlook, which is crucial in today’s interconnected business world. They bring an understanding of international markets and regulations to their practice, facilitating cross-border transactions and investments.’

‘Ogier’s team is highly responsive and accessible to clients. They understand the importance of timely communication and updates, which is especially critical in time-sensitive legal matters.’

Key clients

Golden Path Acquisition Corporation


Venus Acquisition Corporation


ETAO International Group


Zura Bio Limited


Energem Corp.


ClimateRock


The Growth for Good Acquisition Corporation (G4G)


Integrated Wellness Acquisition Corp (Integrated Wellness)


ICONIQ Holdings Limited


Pismo Holdings


Three Arrows Capital Ltd


Technology & Telecommunication Acquisition Corporation (T&T)


Work highlights


  • Advised special purpose acquisition company Golden Path Acquisition Corporation on its $450m business combination with MC Hologram Inc, a Cayman-based company which focuses on the research and development of holographic technology.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel on the merger between Venus Acquisition Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed special purpose acquisition company incorporated in Cayman, and VIYI Algorithm Inc. in a deal valued at around $400m.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Zura Bio Limited, a multi-asset clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel medicines for immune and inflammatory disorders, on its $215m merger with a special purpose acquisition company, JATT Acquisition Corp.

Appleby

Spearheaded by corporate finance and PE specialist Simon Raftopoulos, Appleby‘s team routinely advises a deep roster of blue-chip underwriters, banks and other financial institutions on SPACs, CLOs, M&A, corporate finance mandates and restructurings. The team includes corporate finance and regulatory expert Jacob MacAdam, and group head of both the banking and asset finance, and transport and logistics teams Caroline Barton, who regularly advises on capital markets, corporate, aircraft and shipping matters. Global co-head of the SPACs group Dean Bennett and head of the structured finance practice Benjamin Woolf are also noted for their expertise.

Practice head(s):

Simon Raftopoulos


Other key lawyers:

Jacob MacAdam; Caroline Barton; Benjamin Woolf; Dean Bennett


Testimonials

‘Quality is competitive but the people are what swings it.’

‘Jacob MacAdam – He’s just who you want by your side. Solid and dependable, straightforward to deal with and a good sense of humour.’

Key clients

Wejo Group Limited


Lifezone Metals


Black Spade Acquisition Co


CHC Group LLC


LumiraDX Limited


BPEA EQT


Mubadala


Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp.


SMBC Aviation Capital Limited


Foster Group Holdings Limited


Illumina, Inc.


MaxLinear Inc.


Höegh LNG Ltd


BlueOrchard Impact Investment Managers


Work highlights


  • Acted as BVI and Cayman legal counsel to BPEA (formerly The Baring Private Equity Asia) in connection with the acquisition of the Tricor Group.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to SMBC Aviation Capital Limited in relation to its acquisition of certain business, assets and subsidiaries of Goshawk Aviation Limited, which involves various Cayman exempted companies and orphan entities as issuers of equity certificates.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Black Spade Acquisition Co, a special purpose acquisition company, on its announced de-SPAC business combination with VinFast Auto Pte. Ltd.

Campbells

Campbells’ corporate and commercial practice provides comprehensive advice on complex, cross-border transactions. Practice head Alan Craig is well-known for his expertise in cross-border corporate finance and M&A transactions, while Richard Spencer‘s focus is on joint ventures, equity capital markets work and corporate finance issues; newly promoted partner Kristy-Anne Leith is also particularly active in the latter, and she also handles fintech transactions, including blockchain projects. With longstanding experience in advising clients on cross-border transactions, senior associate Kate Hewitson is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Alan Craig


Other key lawyers:

Richard Spencer; Kate Hewitson; Kristy-Anne Leith


Key clients

Nubank


Avianca


Xapo


NextEra Energy


Creditas


McN Investments


JHD Technologies


Klym Management Company


Investors Trust Assurance SPC


Work highlights


  • Advised on the structuring, implementation and ongoing regulatory compliance of various Cayman entities to support CoinList’s growing international operations, and proposed activities.
  • Advised on the structuring, implementation and regulatory compliance of a corporate group structure to house Circle’s corporate ventures program to participate in venture financing rounds and other investments.

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen‘s Cayman corporate practice provides comprehensive advice on complex private and public M&A transactions, as well as general commercial and corporate matters. Nick Bullmore is particularly active in structured finance work (including CLOs) and joint ventures, while Jarrod Farley focuses on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters and regulatory issues, particularly investment fund-related work. Richard Munden‘s expertise spans joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, and aviation and other asset financings. Alistair Russell advises on all aspects of commercial and corporate law, while counsel Dylan Wiltermuth‘s focus is on corporate restructurings, especially involving structured finance, private equity and financial services elements.

Practice head(s):

Nick Bullmore; Jarrod Farley; Richard Munden; Alistair Russell


Other key lawyers:

Dylan Wiltermuth


Key clients

Alcazar Energy Partners (now CTGI Renewable Energy Partners)


Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos S.A.


Arco Platform Limited


BC Partners


Biolog-id


Clara Holdings Limited


Geopagos Holdings, Ltd.


Government Investment Corporation of Singapore (GIC)


Kanastra Holdings


Mattilda Holdings


Nuvini Holdings Limited / Nvni Group Limited


Starwood Capital


Tractian Ltd


Transocean


Visa


Work highlights


  • Advised Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos S.A. on drafting the business combination agreement, merger formalities, and associated securities filings for the merger for a $581m cross-border de-SPAC transaction.
  • Advised Biolog-id on drafting the business combination agreement, merger formalities, and associated securities filings for the merger and subsequent ADS issuance.
  • Advised Transocean on multiple transactions related to senior secured notes offerings and joint ventures.

Conyers

Led by offshore transactional expert Matthew Stocker, Conyers‘ corporate practice fields a well-established team which is well-equipped to advise on complex transactions including SPACs, M&A and corporate restructurings. Active in the Latin American market, Nicholas Pattman regularly advises financial institutions and corporate clients on a varied spectrum of corporate and finance transactions, while Cora Miller‘s practice spans corporate reorganisations, M&A and joint ventures; Miller also advises a range of clients on cross-border transactions. Alex Davies is a ‘pragmatic’ and ‘detail-oriented’ expert in public and private corporate transactions, and also advises on IPOs and SPACs. Counsel Matthew Harkness is a key contact for start-ups, managers, sponsors and financial institutions.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Stocker


Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Pattman; Cora Miller; Alex Davies; Matthew Harkness


Testimonials

‘The breadth of the Conyers team’s experience and coverage for an offshore firm is quite impressive!’

‘Matthew Stocker is always pleasant and works hard to meet timing expectations.’

‘Cora Miller is a consummate professional.’

‘Alex Davies is very clear-thinking and detail-oriented, but also pragmatic.’

Key clients

Freightos Limited


Golden Wheel Tiandi Holdings Company Limited


Enerflex


Dexin


Targus


Genesis Growth Tech Acquisition Corp.


Obagi Holding Company Limited


Collas Crill

Collas Crill provides corporate, regulatory and commercial advice to a range of clients spanning sovereign wealth funds, local businesses and multinational corporate groups. Practice head Natalie Bell routinely advises on all aspects of Cayman corporate and commercial law including M&A, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations, while associate Chantelle Day, who joined in early 2023, focuses on various corporate matters, including SPACs, and fintech mandates, as well as handling CIMA enforcement matters for corporate service providers. Alan de Saram retired.

Practice head(s):

Natalie Bell


Other key lawyers:

Chantelle Day


Testimonials

‘Excellent team with fast response times and extremely commercial practice. Understands the clients needs and will work within client’s resources.’

‘Natalie Bell is extremely professional and has excellent response times. She is extremely commercial in her approach to the client’s requirements and needs.’

Key clients

Tripledot


Switch Technology Holdings


Corporate Electric Services Ltd.


T2TKN


Kalo Caribbean


Tristar Acquisition I Corp


Green Economy Development Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted as Cayman counsel to UK games studio Tripledot.
  • Advised Switch Technology Holdings (to be rebranded as the LVL group) on its series A financing and corporate reorganisation.
  • Acted as offshore counsel to the selling shareholders of Kalo Caribbean during its acquisition by Interpath Advisory.

Harneys

Jointly led by fund specialist Christopher Hall and Matt Taber, who is known for his expertise in M&A transactions and fund and subscription finance work, Harneys handles a variety of big-ticket transactions including public and private M&A, SPACs and joint ventures. Daniella Skotnicki is regularly sought out by leading financial institutions, investment managers and fintech companies for her experience in M&A, joint ventures, CSX listings and corporate reorganisations.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Hall


Other key lawyers:

Matt Taber; Daniella Skotnicki


Key clients

Avanseus Holdings Pte. Ltd.


Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp.


Pono Capital


XP Inc.


Interpath Advisory


Work highlights


  • Advised Avanseus Holdings Pte. Ltd. on its merger with Fat Projects Acquisition in a $136m deal.
  • Advised AURA FAT Projects Acquisition Corp. on raising $115m in its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market.

Stuarts Humphries

Stuarts Humphries provides comprehensive advice to financial institutions, investment managers and US, European and South American banks on cross-border M&A, SPACs and restructurings. As head of the corporate practice, Megan Wright is sought out by a varied client roster for corporate, commercial, find, finance and fintech advice. Chris Humphries is a key player in corporate and commercial transactions, where he regularly acts for investment managers, promoters and international investors, while Jonathan McLean is noted for his expertise in cryptocurrency funds and digital asset structures.

Practice head(s):

Megan Wright


Other key lawyers:

Chris Humphries; Jonathan McLean


Testimonials

‘Stuarts has wonderful, professional personnel with a variety of expertise.’

‘The individuals at Stuarts are prompt in their responses and available for consult along with punctual for good time management. They are very succinct in moving processes along to a conclusion.’

‘Bespoke advice provided on short notice and consistently prompt responses to complex queries whenever required. Commercially aware advisers with a finger on the pulse of industry and regulatory trends.’

‘Chris Humphries is a very experienced and knowledgeable adviser with a consistently helpful and pleasant disposition. Chris is always prepared to prioritise urgent client requests and meet tight deadlines on short notice. His advice is always bespoke, accurate and commercially sensitive.’

‘Responsiveness and local expertise.’

‘Chris Humphries is great to deal with and super responsive.’

Key clients

Fantom


Valens Pay Global


Propyverse


Bullion FX


Banco Sofisa


Citibank


Petrobras


Work highlights


  • Advised Fantom, a leading global blockchain provider, on various corporate transactions and regulatory obligations within the DeFi and crypto space.
  • Advised Valens Pay Global Limited as lead counsel on its IPO, corporate governance and various other corporate transactions in the fintech space.
  • Advised Sculptor Capital, a multibillion-dollar global asset company, on various corporate transactions for its entities, cross-border advice and regulatory obligations.