Next Generation Partners

Firms in the Spotlight Corporate and commercial

Simcocks

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Simcocks’ excellent Corporate and Commercial team prides itself on its extensive expertise and its ability to provide comprehensive advice within very tight timeframes. The team is headed by Irini Newby, who is also an expert in Commercial Property and Employment law, and includes Alex Spencer, a leading individual in Banking and Finance.

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Corporate and commercial in Isle Of Man

Appleby

The corporate group at Appleby advises on all aspects of corporate and commercial work in the Isle of Man and abroad. The team undertakes some of the market’s most complex multinational transactions across a number of key sectors, while also providing advice on reorganisations and regulation. Kyle Sutherland regularly acts on significant corporate and capital market matters on both the Isle of Man and British Virgin Islands. Juan Thornley leads on complex transactional and advisory work with a particular focus on the financial services sector, while Garry Manley has considerable experience with onshore M&A. Recently-promoted counsel Katherine Garrood handles general corporate and regulatory matters in addition to her strong track record in investment funds. Michelle Brook and Sophie Corkish are also key names.

Practice head(s):

Kyle Sutherland; Juan Thornley; Garry Manley


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Garrood; Michelle Brook; Sophie Corkish


Testimonials

‘Excellent and practical corporate and regulatory team.’

‘I would single out Garry Manley. I take great vicarious satisfaction (but no credit) at how well his career has developed and indeed flourished at Appleby. Garry is the complete package; first class academics, terrific international experience at a blue chip US firm, excellent technical skills, commercial (on both sides of the coin), very personable and has an acute sense of ESG responsibility both locally and beyond.’

‘Juan Thornley is naturally commercial, extremely client friendly and translates complex regulatory issues into business speak effectively. Extremely responsive and my go to for Isle of Man regulatory advice.’

‘Juan Thornley and Katherine Garrood were responsive and gave the timely pragmatic advice we needed to get the deal done.’

‘Efficient and pro-active team – they make our life very easy.’

‘Kyle Sutherland is outstanding – super responsive, super commercial, always in front of any issues and gets the job done with a minimum of fuss.’

Key clients

Zurich Insurance Group


Peel Group


Utmost Group


Monument Re Limited


Playtech Plc


International Financial Group Limited


Strix Plc


Alvarium Investments


Blackfridge


Work highlights


  • Acted as Isle of Man legal advisors to a major private equity fund on the recapitalisation of its pan-European logistics group.
  • Acting for Zurich on the sale of its Singapore life insurance business to Monument Group.
  • Acting as lead counsel to Monument Re Limited on the transfer of the entire insurance business of its Guernsey subsidiary, |Nordben| Life and Pension Insurance Co. Limited, to its Isle of Man subsidiary.

Cains

Cains is regularly instructed on the highest value and most complex corporate and commercial transactions on the Isle of Man on behalf of a number of major domestic and international corporates. Particular areas of expertise for the firm include cross border M&A, international real estate acquisitions and complex regulatory and advisory matters. Scott Leonard-Morgan regularly acts on complex corporate transactions, as well as providing general commercial and corporate advice. Tristan Head handles a range of corporate finance transactions, including initial public offerings, right issues and bond issues.  Stephanie Chew handles acquisitions and restructurings for UK and Irish clients, while Kirsten Porter has a strong focus on the gaming and financial services sectors. Matthew Wilkinson is frequently involved in the most notable cross border matters on the Isle of Man.

Practice head(s):

Tristan Head; Scott Leonard-Morgan


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Chew; Kirsten Porter; Matthew Wilkinson


Testimonials

‘Cains has been very diligent and excellent in delivering legal services. We couldn’t recommend it enough.’

‘Tristan Head is excellent to work with, always delivering on time with comprehensive but succinct advice.’

‘Cains are straight forward, easy to work with practice, they collaborate and bring their best resources in to support their clients needs. They deliver to agreed timescales and many times exceed them, their rates are fair and people are commercial in approach.

‘Scott Leonard-Morgan is diligent, commercial and puts the customers needs at the heart of the legal services that he provides.’

‘As good as any top 10 London firm: reliable, speedy turnaround.’

‘Kirsten Porter has a great sense of balance between running with matters and seeking input.’

‘Kirsten Porter is always willing to go the extra mile and liaise with deal parties so as to facilitate the process. She is available for clarifications/explanations and replies to all queries thoroughly and with no delay, something which is not always the case for all lawyers at other firms. Kirsten really cares for her clients and will always ensure that every small detail is checked before sending comments etc. A real gem for Cains Advocates Limited.’

‘Kirsten Porter is very easy to work with, responsive and takes a commercial / pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks PLC


AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc


Banco Santander, S.A.


BNP Paribas


Credit Suisse AG


Flutter Entertainment PLC


Heron and Brearley


Manx Telecom


Cinven


Nomura International plc


Tullow Oil PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Cinven on its acquisition of a majority interest in International Financial Group Limited (‘IFGL’) from Vitruvian Partners.

DQ

Coupled with the firm’s strong tax, regulatory and compliance services, the corporate and commercial team at DQ is able to handle a wide range of matters domestically and internationally, particularly in relation to M&A, restructuring and regulatory work. Practice head Andrew Harding is experienced in financial services regulation, while managing director Mark Dougherty is an expert in corporate and commercial law in both the Isle of Man and Bermuda. Annemarie Hughes focuses on commercial matters related to trusts and Adam Killip is an expert in the regulatory aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Donna Matthews supports local and international clients complex restructurings as well as day to day matters.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Harding


Other key lawyers:

Mark Dougherty; Annemarie Hughes; Adam Killip; Donna Matthews; Rachel Winterbach


Testimonials

‘DQ Advocates Limited has a highly skilled and experienced team that sets it apart from other firms. The team’s extensive knowledge of corporate and commercial law, combined with their practical approach, allows them to provide effective solutions to complex legal problems. Clients can rest assured that their matters are in good hands, and the team is always available to provide guidance and support.’

‘Relatively easy to speak directly to a lawyer and the firm has a number of departments/personnel who specialise in certain areas of law.’

‘Knowledgeable and friendly service, with generally good communication levels.’

‘Mark Dougherty is always available to smooth any bumps in the relationship or give some informal direction. Supported by Sinead O’Connor he is running the go-to firm on all matters related to regulatory supervision and compliance in the IOM financial sector. As above it is their pro-active stance that really stands out.’

‘Adam Killip is very responsive, technically accurate and knowledgeable.’

‘DQ is a boutique firm with a very personal touch. We have excellent relationships with directors and associates alike and the level of service and professionalism is timeless.’

Keystone Law

Keystone Law regularly handles handles complex and high value M&A in the Isle of Man, with a particular level of expertise in regard to corporate real estate M&A. Managing director Geoff Kermeen has particular experience in advising lenders and developers in the UK and European commercial real estate sector. Sally Cranshaw focuses on UK commercial real estate financing conducted through Isle of Man bodies. William Margot is experienced in cross border M&A, while Stephen Rodd advises private equity funds on tax-efficient offshore structures. Hazel Dawson is another key name, advising clients in relation to IPOs, reverse takeovers, restructuring and rights issues.

Other key lawyers:

Stephen Rodd; Geoff Kermeen; William Margot; Sally Cranshaw; Hazel Dawson; Vicci Laslett


Testimonials

‘Stable team comprised of experienced lawyers, that is always responsive and thorough.’

‘Sally Cranshaw has consistently performed and is well liked and highly regarded by us.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Santander UK PLC


BentallGreenOak


Work highlights


  • Advising BentallGreenOak in relation to the IoM elements of the financing arrangements pertaining to the provision by BGO of a £74M secured term facility to a Luxembourg borrower for the purpose of the corporate acquisition of a Guernsey-incorporated SPV and an IoM incorporated SPV.
  • Advising Allied Irish Banks in respect of the Isle of Man law elements of two loan facilities made available to the Ergo Group.
  • Advising Santander in respect of several real estate finance transactions.

Humphrey & Helfrich

The corporate and commercial department at Humphrey & Helfrich acts for some of the market’s leading corporate service providers, as well as clients active in the emerging fields of fintech and blockchain technology. The team is led by the ‘brilliant, kind, professional at all times’ Matthew Kinrade, who is particularly experienced in cross-border M&A matters and matters relating to the establishment of technology businesses.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Kinrade


Other key lawyers:

Mark Humphrey


Testimonials

‘Matt Kinrade was very helpful throughout the whole process and it was obvious from the start that he was very knowledgeable in his field. He was very easy to communicate with and provided constant updates. If ever I was unsure of something or needed help, I was confident that he could help and would answer quickly.’

‘A commercially focused practice with fast turnaround and approachable people.’

‘On commercial transactions, Matt Kinrade and Mark Humphrey provide timely, clear and pragmatic advice.’

‘Matt Kinrade was brilliant, kind, professional at all times.’

‘Each department is extremely helpful The management structure is very good The staff are trained well and hopefully they can then some day take over the practice’

‘Very responsive team with a keen interest in serving their clients best interests.

‘Matt Kinrade has a calm and assured approach to his commercial work’

Key clients

Aedifica UK Limited


Affinity (Isle of Man) Limited


Cavendish Trust Company Limited


Celtic Associates Limited


Conister Bank Limited


eSim Go Limited


Funfair Technologies


Handlesbanken PLC


Horizonte Minerals PLC


Manx Financial Group PLC


Proximity Data Centres Limited


Sterling Trust Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for the sellers in the £20M sale of an Isle of Man based, UK care home operator to a leading UK care group
  • Advised AIM-listed Horizonte Minerals plc in connection with $346M syndicated project financing and corporate governance
  • Advising leading software and ventures business Funfair Technologies in relation to its portfolio of start-up and early-stage investments, including in stable-coin providers, games studios and metaverse builders.

Simcocks

Simcocks‘ corporate and commercial team offers a broad range of expertise across a number of areas, including collective investment schemes, insurance, M&A, commercial property and insolvency. The team regularly acts for corporate and fiduciary service providers on the full range of commercial matters. Practice head Irini Newby is a specialist in employment and commercial property issues in addition to general corporate and commercial work. Alex Spencer heads the firm’s banking and finance team while also specialising in commercial law. Kevin O’Loughlin is another key name, supporting private clients with trust law, company law and regulation.

Practice head(s):

Irini Newby


Other key lawyers:

Alex Spencer; David Spencer; Phil Games; Kevin O’Loughlin; Janice Turnbull


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable in many areas of expertise.’

‘Irini Newby completely understands our business model and the diversification of our market.’

Key clients

Brightbay Real Estate Partners


Lanz Investments Limited


Tevir Properties IOM Limited


The Co-operative Society


The Salvation Army


MMD GPHC Limited


Charterhouse Lombard Ltd


MannBenham Advocates Limited

The commercial, corporate and finance practice at MannBenham Advocates Limited handles M&A, business sales, company law and corporate governance with a range of clients domestically and internationally, particularly within the gaming and e-business sectors. Managing director Miles Benham is active in the online gaming and blockchain industries on the Isle of Man, with experience acting for some of the biggest clients in those markets. Carly Stratton heads the firm’s business practice, specialising in corporate, business and regulatory matters for venture capitalists and equity houses. Paul Beckett is a veteran of the international private banking and fiduciary services industries with broad experience covering company, commercial and trust law.

Practice head(s):

Carly Stratton; Miles Benham


Other key lawyers:

Paul Beckett


Testimonials

‘The Team at MannBenham provide good, solid business support and always ensure that their key person is the individual assigned to specific instructions to ensure advice is always clear and concise and without duplication on chargeable time and billing.’

‘I have always found the advice and support provided by Mann Benham to be clear, concise and delivered in an understandable and executable manner.’

Work highlights


  • Assisting a Canadian company with domiciliation to the Isle of Man.

SW Legal

SW Legal provides advice and assistance to a range of local and international clients on corporate and commercial matters. Founding partner Stephen W Savage has considerable experience across a number of jurisdictions, supporting a full range of business clients in all areas of the sector, including asset shares, shareholder rights, commercial contracts and regulatory governance.

Practice head(s):

Stephen W Savage


Testimonials

‘Excellent commercial knowledge and sound drafting of documentation based on extensive experience.’

‘Stephen Savage – great background and very practical in suggesting solutions’

‘SW Legal provide pragmatic solutions with a very personal level of service. Given the small size of the practice we feel that we are given more care and attention than we would get from a larger firm. As a result the advice we receive is highly relevant and useful for our purposes.’

Key clients

Lakhani


Agrimark Limited


Manx Independent Carriers Ltd


MCH Psychological Services


IOMCOMPANY.COM LIMITED


W S T (IOM) Limited


Gordon Wilson & Co Ltd


Crogga Limited


IOD ISLE OF MAN LIMITED


Work highlights


  • Advised Agrimark Limited, a local retail supplier on the Isle of Man, on a structural change in ownership as it moved towards a significant period of expansion.
  • Advised Crogga Limited on a private offering memorandum (and supporting documentation) which set out the background to a capital raise of £32.5million
  • Advised Gordon Wilson & Co Ltd on receiver pre-appointment issues in relation to a hospitality group with assets including a hotel chain (value £100m+ before debts).