Firms To Watch: Corporate and commercial

Praised for its ‘client-focused and practical‘ advice, Loeb Smith Attorneys draws on a global network of advisers to handle a range of corporate transactions, particularly in the funds, insurance, and financial services sectors. ‘Outstanding’ founding partner Gary Smith is the key name to note.

Corporate and commercial in Cayman Islands

Maples Group

Fielding one of the largest teams in the jurisdiction, Maples Group‘s sizeable practice advises on a wide array of big-ticket deals for a host of TMT, energy, healthcare, and investment management companies. Practice chair Matthew Gardner is a highly experienced practitioner whose wide-ranging corporate capabilities encompass public and private M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. Dual-qualified (Cayman and BVI) Kieran Walsh co-heads the firm’s Latin America practice group, where he advises on multi-billion-dollar inbound and outbound transactions, particularly in the banking sector. Suzanne Correy, who is another key member of the Latam group, is noted for her capabilities in high-value cross-border M&A and de-SPAC transactions, most recently in the renewable energy space. Michael Johns is especially noted for his SPAC expertise, while Daniel Lee‘s corporate capabilities are keenly concentrated on public takeovers and private equity transactions. Shari Seymour and Sophia Scott, noted for their respective focus on investment fund and Latam matters, also come recommended.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Gardner

Other key lawyers:

Suzanne Correy; Daniel Lee; Kieran Walsh; Michael Johns; Shari Seymour; Sophia Scott; Finn O’Hagerty

Testimonials

‘Maples is very commercial, thoughtful in helping us comply with the rules and regs while still achieving the commercial goals. Suzanne Correy and Finn O’Hagerty are very responsive and are great at getting ahead of new developments in the Cayman Islands and helping us address any impact to our business.’

‘Suzanne Correy and Finn O’Hegarty and their team have been terrific partners – very responsive and resourceful.’

Key clients

Altimeter Growth Corp

Fidelity National Financial

Francisco Partners

GOL

LCM Asset Management

Katerra

Kohlberg & Company

Morgan Stanley

Noble Corporation

Patria Investments

TPG

Valaris

Vitru Limited

XP Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised Altimeter on the Cayman Islands aspects of its $40bn business combination that resulted in taking Grab Holdings public in the US.
  • Advised XP in connection with the $9.5bn merger of Itaú Unibanco Holdings’ XPart with XP.
  • Advised GlobalFoundries on the Cayman Islands aspects of its $2.6bn IPO.

Mourant

Reputed for its ‘responsive and user-friendly’ manner, Mourant is regularly instructed by a sterling roster of commercial banks, financial services providers, and technology companies on high-value acquisitions, divestitures, and de-SPAC combinations. Corporate and finance head Hayden Isbister‘s ‘calm and measured‘ approach underpins the team’s strong reputation among clients, particularly on private equity downstream and financing transactions. Neal Lomax is a key port of call for the firm’s multinational corporate and international banking clientele, which turn to him for his capabilities in multi-billion-dollar corporate deals, most recently in the industrials space. The ‘hugely experienced‘ Ramesh Maharaj is praised by clients for his wide-ranging expertise, encompassing PE transactions, combinations and restructurings. Catherine Pham anchors the Cayman office’s Canadian desk and fintech group, while Alex Last is recommended for his knowledge of fund finance deals.

Practice head(s):

Hayden Isbister

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and user-friendly. Sound commercial advice during a difficult and highly pressured transaction.’

‘Hayden Isbister was very calm and measured and delivered clear advice. Very approachable and available.’

‘I have a long working relationship with Ramesh Maharaj who I rate very highly; he is seasoned, hugely experienced on all offshore related matters, a great person to ideate with and work with.’

Key clients

Endeavour Mining

Wells Fargo

Work highlights

  • Advised Endeavour Mining Corporation in relation to a scheme of arrangement used to re-domicile the jurisdiction of incorporation of the parent company of the Endeavour group from the Cayman Islands to England & Wales.
  • Advised Wells Fargo in its capacity as the administrative agent and collateral agent on behalf of the senior lenders to Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

Ogier

Ogier‘s corporate and commercial practice is particularly strong in the start-up arena, where its engaged on a stellar array of technology, fintech and software M&A and de-SPAC transactions. The team is headed up by Bradley Kruger, a highly experienced adviser whose far-reaching corporate and commercial expertise encompasses PE-driven transactions and blockchain matters. Many of the firm’s key banking and investment fund clients turn to Angus Davison for his capabilities in the full gamut of corporate and finance work, ranging from SPAC IPOs and de-SPAC transactions to cross-border M&A. James Heinicke is noted for his experience in corporate restructurings and recovery work, while global Latam head Giorgio Subiotto‘s recent highlights include funding transactions in the crypto and private banking sectors. Cynthia Anandajayasekeram advises on a significant volume of public and private M&A, most recently for fast-growth clients in the cybersecurity and electronics spaces. Senior associate Michael Robinson is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Bradley Kruger

Other key lawyers:

Angus Davison; James Heinicke; Giorgio Subiotto; Cynthia Anandajayasekeram; Michael Robinson

Key clients

ZeroFOX

Founder SPAC

ITHAX

ICONIQ

Aries I

The Ardonagh Group

Investcorp

Fazenda

Indonesia Energy Corporation

Infinite

RWA Foundation

EduDAO Foundation

Osmosis Grants Foundation

Nexo Capital Inc

Bit Digital Inc

Work highlights

  • Represented The Ardonagh Group Limited and its subsidiaries in respect of a group restructure and equity fundraise.
  • Assisting ITHAX with its business combination with Mondee, Inc., expected to have a pro forma equity value of approximately $1bn.
  • Advising ICONIQ Holdings Limited on its business combination with East Stone Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company incorporated in the BVI.

Walkers

Walkers‘ sizeable cross-practice team is engaged by a varied roster of asset managers, technology companies, payment service providers, advertisers and consumer goods conglomerates, which turn to the team for its capabilities in high-value de-SPAC and M&A transactions. Tim Buckley‘s recent highlights include multi-billion-dollar business combinations in the biotech sector, while Rob Jackson has most recently advised on high-profile corporate restructuring proceedings for major aviation companies. In addition to her role as the firm’s global management partner, Ingrid Pierce is noted for her investment funds practice, where she advises leading asset managers, banks, and trust companies on a host of corporate and commercial matters. David Collins focuses chiefly on corporate finance transactions, while Hugh Anderson‘s recent highlights include big-ticket private equity driven deals. Other key names to note at practice management level include Caroline Williams, a specialist in the sale and purchase of portfolio investments, as well as secondary transactions. Justin Hart and Bicrom Das are recommended for fund finance transactions. Paige Gaston-Thiery has left the practice.

Practice head(s):

Rob Jackson; David Collins; Tim Buckley; Ingrid Pierce; Caroline Williams

Other key lawyers:

Justin Hart; Hugh Anderson; Bicrom Das

Key clients

Apollo Global Management

BlackRock

Cerberus

Hellman & Friedman

CVC Capital Partners

Oaktree Capital Management

The Blackstone Group

The Carlyle Group

Oakhill Advisors

First Reserve Corporation

ProKidney LLC

Platinum Equity Advisors LLC

IHS Holding Limited

BroadPeak Global

Taboola

Azorra Aviation Holdings LLC

Cova Acquisition Corp.

Athletic Greens International Inc.

Moonlake Immunotherapeutics AG

EPIC Private Equity LLP

Work highlights

  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Apollo Strategic Growth Capital on its $5.3bn business combination with American Express Global Business Travel.
  • Advising on BVI and Cayman law aspects of a de-SPAC transaction between the client, Queen’s Gambit Growth Capital, and SWVL Inc.
  • Advising on the migration of IHS Holding Limited from Mauritius to Cayman and initial public offering of IHS Holding Limited on the NYSE.

Appleby

Steered by corporate finance and PE specialist Simon Raftopoulos and structured finance head Benjamin Woolf, Appleby‘s cross-disciplinary corporate and finance team works with a mix of institutional sponsors, public companies, and technology start-ups on a host of transactions. Caroline Barton – group head of both the banking and asset finance, and transport and logistics teams – advises widely on buyer-side transactions, while Jacob MacAdam is especially well-regarded for his corporate finance and regulatory expertise. Counsel Dean Bennett co-heads the global SPACs group, while Liesl Richter focuses on CLO transactions.

Testimonials

‘Jacob MacAdam provides high-quality, commercial, attentive and responsive advice. Always a real gentleman. A pleasure to deal with.’

Key clients

Artisan Acquisition Corp.

Trane Technologies plc

Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

Oaktree Capital Management Group.

EAST WEST BANK

GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA

FIRST REPUBLIC BANK

CITIBANK, N.A.

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

MACQUARIE BANK LIMITED

Société Générale

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

Endurance Acquisition Corp.

Golub Capital Partners CLO 49(M), L.P.

TradeDepot Inc.

SMBC Aviation Capital Limited

KKR CLO 39 Ltd.

OSD CLO 2021-23, Ltd.

Atlas Senior Loan Fund XVIII, Ltd.

OCP CLO 2015-10, Ltd.

CBAM 2019-11R, Ltd.

Capital Four US CLO I Ltd.

Beechwood Park CLO, Ltd.

Apex Credit CLO 2020 Ltd.

Cornershop

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.

Kuvare Life Re Ltd.

Alvotech Holdings S.A.

Work highlights

  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Oaktree Capital Management Group in relation to a secured notes transaction with certain international companies to finance FC Inter.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Artisan Acquisition Corp. on its de-SPAC business combination with Hong Kong biotech company Prenetics Group Limited, creating Hong Kong’s first unicorn to list on NASDAQ.
  • Advised Trane Technologies in connection with its listing of a $2.4bn interest bearing promissory note on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange.

Campbells

Campbells is regularly engaged by various fintech, proptech, insurance, and e-commerce companies for assistance with the full scope of transactional and advisory work. Practice head Alan Craig is a seasoned cross-border M&A adviser, while Simon Thomas specialises in venture capital related matters. Richard Spencer works with a mix of technology companies – both emerging and established – on a range of corporate and commercial matters, while the ‘tremendousCharlie Pywell notably focuses on multi-jurisdictional deals and capital markets transactions. Damien Magee draws superlative praise from clients for his ‘proactive commercial approach‘ on M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. Senior associate Kristy-Anne Leith is recommended for private M&A and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Alan Craig

Other key lawyers:

Richard Spencer; Damien Magee; Kristy-Anne Leith; Simon Thomas; Charlie Pywell

Testimonials

‘Damien Magee is one of the best transactional lawyers I have ever worked with. Fully understand both the legal and commercial world and brings a really proactive commercial approach to any deal or problem that needs solving.’

‘Charlie Pywell is a tremendous partner that scaled side by side with our business and enhanced our ability to move forward.’

Key clients

Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z)

Internet Financial

Elo 7, Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised QuintoAndar on its acquisition of Navent Group.
  • Working with Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) on fintech matters.
  • Advised Elo 7, Ltd. in connection with its acquisition by Etsy.

Conyers

Fielding a sizeable team and robust global network, Conyers is noted for its capabilities in big-ticket M&A, de-SPAC transactions, and corporate restructurings. The group’s cross-border capabilities are most keenly concentrated on Latin American markets, where Nicholas Pattman advises a range of Brazilian companies in particular. Matthew Stocker, who heads up the corporate practice, has most recently advised on big-ticket transactions in the pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and automotive sectors. The highly experienced Cora Miller and SPAC specialist Alex Davies are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Stocker

Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Pattman; Alex Davies; Cora Miller

Key clients

Agusta Healthcare

Chrysaor

Crescera Capital

Deep Green Metals

Goldman Sachs

Lindblad Expeditions

RBC

Roivant Sciences

Stonegate Pub Company

Harneys

Able to draw on its collaborative ties with the firm’s Hong Kong office, Harneys is well-placed to advise on a host of big-ticket, cross-border transactions including M&A deals, SPACs, and private equity driven matters. The practice is jointly steered by Christopher Hall, an expert in hedge and private equity fund establishment, and Matt Taber, a seasoned M&A adviser who specialises in fund and subscription finance work. James Smith, who was promoted to partner in January 2022, is noted for his capabilities in Latam projects. At the senior associate level, Aleksandra Krawcewicz is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Christopher Hall; Matt Taber

Other key lawyers:

James Smith; Aleksandra Krawcewicz; Rupert Cullen

Key clients

Montagu Private Equity

Waystone Group

Etsy, Inc.

Vinci Partners Investments

Cre-Yue Asset Holding Limited and Cre –Wei Asset Holding Limited

VTEX

Work highlights

  • Acted for Montagu Private Equity on acquiring a strategic stake in the Waystone Group.
  • Acted as Cayman counsel to Waystone Group on its acquisition of the Centaur Group.
  • Represented Etsy, Inc. in its acquisition of Elo7 for $217m.

Bedell Cristin

A broad spectrum of corporate clients turn to Bedell Cristin‘s cross-disciplinary practice for assistance in various corporate and commercial matters. Joss Morris is a seasoned adviser whose recent engagements include transactions in the pharmaceuticals, energy and crypto sectors. Stephen Nelson is noted for his capabilities in a wide range of corporate transactions and CIMA negotiations, while associate Kimberly Wood, who joined from Maples Group in November 2021, is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Joss Morris

Other key lawyers:

Stephen Nelson; Kimberley Wood

Key clients

KPMG Cayman Islands

Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Limited / Ying Peng Hui Kang Fund

Work highlights

  • Acted as lead counsel in the KPMG Cayman Islands sale of restructuring services business, which was valued at $25m.
  • Advised Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Limited in its capacity as 65.4% shareholder in Global Cord Blood Corporation on the filing of stop notices, a winding up petition and injunctive relief to terminate a transaction entered into by the Board.

Carey Olsen

Carey Olsen’s ‘deep experience and practicality’ in corporate matters makes it a strong choice for a number of early-stage and established companies seeking assistance with high-value transactions. The practice is jointly led by investment funds specialists Nick Bullmore and Jarrod Farley; aviation finance expert Richard Munden, and the ‘highly recommendedAlistair Russell, an experienced adviser who draws superlative praise from clients. Counsel Dylan Wiltermuth is recommended for his capabilities in financial services and energy sector deals.

Other key lawyers:

Dylan Wiltermuth

Testimonials

‘They work with many of our mutual start-up clients that are domiciled in the Cayman Islands and have deep experience and practicality in working with very early stage companies through late stage companies and are able to scale their offering accordingly.’

‘Extremely responsive; extremely business minded and practical; accessible and human; do not get hung up on impracticalities. Alistair Russell is the best Cayman Islands lawyer I have worked with. Highly recommended.’

Key clients

Hertz (shareholder)

Global Technology Acquisition Corp. I

GFL Environmental (shareholders)

CertiK

Advent International

Inventa Holdings

Kavak

Nuvemshop

Konfio

Jambo

Work highlights

  • Advised a shareholder of Hertz on all Cayman legal aspects of a stock sale and re-IPO.
  • Advised Advent International on its acquisition of a majority stake in Encora.
  • Advised Kavak on its successful Series D funding round of $485m.

Collas Crill

Collas Crill‘s corporate, finance, and funds team has made a number of new associate-level hires, most notably senior associate Jo Hossack – an ESG specialist who joined the team from Foot Anstey in April 2022. Practice head Alan de Saram is recommended for his far-reaching capabilities in commercial transactions and fintech matters, while Natalie Bell is a key contact for the firm’s investment fund clients, who turn to her for her expertise in structuring, formation and corporate governance work.

Practice head(s):

Alan de Saram

Other key lawyers:

Natalie Bell; Jo Hossack

Key clients

Tristar Acquisition I Corp

Chanos & Partners

Everipedia Inc.

Albaugh Inc

Tweebaa

Mediterraneo Vida

weDoctor

Work highlights

  • Advised Albaugh on its $300m acquisition and take-private by way of statutory merger of Rotam Global AgroSciences Limited.
  • Advising a Spanish insurance company on a restructure required by its Spanish regulators following its acquisition by a large US fund.
  • Acting as Cayman counsel in relation to Everipedia Inc’s Cayman company, which carried out the initial coin offering for Everipedia and develops blockchain applications for users like Everipedia’s article editing software.

Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries

Stuarts Walker Hersant Humphries handles a diverse mix of mid-market transactions for a wide range of clients, including cross-border M&A, SPAC acquisitions, and restructurings. The ‘highly effectiveChris Humphries – who also heads up the firm’s fund and crypto practices – is a prolific adviser, whose recent engagements include multi-million-dollar cross-border deals in the corporate finance sector. Jonathan McLean specialises in banking and regulatory matters, while Megan Wright is recommended for her capabilities in the fintech, blockchain and cryptocurrency arenas. Senior associate Simon Orriss is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Chris Humphries

Other key lawyers:

Megan Wright; Jonathan McLean; Simon Orriss

Testimonials

‘The team is highly responsive, always deals with matters expeditiously and communicates effectively with us.’

‘Chris Humphries is a highly effective external counsel and always get the job done.’

Key clients

NEA – InCarey

MHC SPV1

Kensington Management Group, Ltd.

Avi8 Air Capital LLC

AdvisorShares Managed Bitcoin CFC

BIAS (Cayman) Limited and BIAS Asset Management Ltd.

Cipher Bay

Digital Financial Exchange (DIFX)

GB Restaurant

Prototech Labs SEZC

Work highlights

  • Spearheaded the formation of a Cayman Islands SPAC (IPOAvi8 Air Capital LLC) and sponsor for the purpose of an IPO, with a value of $200m.