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

Appleby fields a large team which undertakes multinational corporate transactions in the Isle of Man. Included are specialist lawyers advising on the full range of corporate and commercial work, such as M&A, reorganisations and investment funds. Garry Manley has expertise in both onshore and cross-border M&A. The firm has a team of BVI qualified lawyers, led by Kyle Sutherland, which allows clients to access BVI advice in a GMT time zone. Juan Thornley has expertise in the financial and insurance services sector. Katherine Garrood is a key figure to note, with particular experience in providing services to investment funds and regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Kyle Sutherland

Other key lawyers:

Garry Manley; Juan Thornley; Katherine Garrood; Michelle Brook

Testimonials

‘An experienced and responsive team providing high quality legal work at sensible rates.’

‘Garry Manley is knowledgeable and easy to work with. He brings a measured and pragmatic approach to complex issues.’

‘Overall service provided was excellent. Clear, detailed and timely advice. Helped our reorganisation process to run very smoothly.’

‘Garry Manley’s advice and responsiveness helped the process immensely. Explanations and potential options were always detailed and clearly laid out. We cannot fault the advice Garry provided.’

‘Excellent corporate team that provided practical, sensible advice – often on a very demanding timeline.’

‘Michelle Brook – highly responsive, providing sensible and practical advice.’

Key clients

Starwood Capital Group

Quilter plc

Monument Re Limited

Erso Capital

BGF

Playtech Plc

International Financial Group Limited

KAPE Technologies Plc

Work highlights

  • Advising AIM listed Kape Technologies Plc the digital security and privacy software business on matters of Isle of Man and BVI law in connection with its US$936 million agreement to acquire premium consumer VPN business ExpressVPN and on Kape’s associated US$354 million underwritten equity offering and US$475 million loan facilities.
  • Acting as Isle of Man counsel to Quilter plc on the £483 million sale of its international life insurance business.
  • Advising Starwood Capital Group on its £467.9 million recommended cash offer for London-listed Isle of Man company, RDI REIT P.L.C.

Cains

Cains fields a well regarded team who regularly work on high profile and high value commercial transactions. Tristan Head and Scott Leonard-Morgan jointly lead the practice, and advise on complex matters for both public and private companies operating within the gambling and financial services sectors. The group has significant experience in advising on complex multi-jurisdictional mandates. Stephanie Chew has over 14 years’ experience advising on corporate acquisitions, restructurings and reorganisations. Associates Matthew Wilkinson and Kirsten Porter are both noted; the latter is singled out for her involvement with a number of notable M&A deals.

Practice head(s):

Tristan Head; Scott Leonard-Morgan

Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Chew; Matthew Wilkinson; Kirsten Porter

Testimonials

‘The Cains team is highly responsive and practical. Cains are our go-to across practice areas in the Isle of Man.’

‘Competent and reliable team. Prompt to respond with helpful relevant advice and comments.’

‘Kirsten Porter has excellent client relationship skills and is able to easily and consistently deliver high quality work to her clients in a timely manner.’

‘Cains are a a great firm, and we use them wherever possible to provide Isle of Man corporate advice. They provide swift, commercial led, high quality advice. Their responsive and personable nature means they are very client friendly.’

‘Cains’ corporate and commercial practice has a well experienced and commercially minded team who over-deliver on their client promise. The team is well aware of how their input affects deal completion times and hence they always always work to provide their deliverable ahead of client deadlines, which is something that our clients are very appreciative of.’

‘Stephanie Chew is hard working and conscientious and has great ability to establish professional rapport with clients which makes it easy for her to deliver high quality advice. She is very responsive to requests and her delivery turnaround is unparalleled.’

‘I work mostly with Scott Leonard-Morgan and I find him easy to deal with. He also has good contacts with the IOM governmental bodies to work through issues that may arise.’

‘Tristan Head was the lead on our case and was at all times communitive, approachable and pragmatic. He most certainly leads from the front and his calm demeanour and structured approach is evident throughout the team. Most importantly the relationship feels like a partnership rather than a one-off commercial transaction.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC

AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited

Allied Irish Banks Plc

AMP Capital Investors

AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc

ANZ Bank (Vietnam) Limited

Aristorcrat Leisure

Aviva Commercial Finance Limited

Banco BPI SA

Banco Santander, S.A.

Bendura Bank

AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited

BNP Paribas

Brydg Capital

Cathay Pacific Aircraft Services Limited

Cedar Valley Bank

Cerberus European Investments

Chenavari Financial Group Ltd

Cheyne Capital Management

Clearbell

Comis

Credit Suisse AG

Danske Bank

Downtown Music Holdings Limited

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

Eros International Plc

Europe Arab Bank plc

Exillion Energy PLC

Falco Capital Partners

First Names Group Limited

Flutter Entertainment PLC

Four Seasons Health Care

Grafton Group PlC

Heron and Brearley

Hoi Hup Realty

JTC Group Holdings Limited

Kings Park Limited

KPMG Audit LLC

Lamprell plc

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

London Serviced Offices 3 Limited

Macquarie

Manx Telecom

Melford Capital

Myers Business Trust

National Bank of Kuwait (International) plc

Nedbank Private Wealth Limited

Nomura International plc

Norwegian Cruise Line

Nua Healthcare Services

Office Space in Town

QIB (UK) plc

Republic Financial Holdings Limited

Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ)

Svenska Petroleum Exploration AB

The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c.

The Prudential Insurance Company of America trading under the name of PGIM Real Estate Finance

The Stars Group (formerly Poker Stars)

Tullow Oil PLC

Urban Exposure Plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Aristocrat Leisure, the Australian Securities Exchange listed slot-machine maker, on its $3.7bn recommended takeover of Playtech PLC by way of an Isle of Man court approved scheme of merger.
  • Advised international private equity firm Cinven on its agreement to acquire a majority interest in International Financial Group from Vitruvian Partners.
  • Instructed as lead Isle of Man legal advisers to Stonehage Fleming Family & Partners on its multi-jurisdictional acquisition of the Maitland Group from Maitland International Holdings, which included 10 Isle of Man group companies, adding £1bn of assets under management and £15b of assets under administration to Stonehage’s AUM and AUA.

DQ

DQ is a local firm with an international outlook and reach via their membership of international law firm alliance TAG Law. The team specialises in M&A, restructuring and regulatory work. Andrew Harding is the head of the corporate division, and is experienced in financial services regulation. Mark Dougherty  specialises in banking, capital markets, M&A and shipping. The group has expertise in other fields, including trusts, commercial and insurance matters. Annemarie Hughes is skilled in insurance and trusts, and Adam Killip works with a client base including fintech and blockchain companies.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Harding

Other key lawyers:

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

Testimonials

‘Helpful and personable.’

‘A professional and pleasant team to deal with who are extremely reactive and sensitive to the commercial needs of their clients.’

‘I appreciate their pragmatic approach to any issues that may be encountered to ensure we achieve our goal within the timescale and budget required.’

‘DQ were extremely responsive and worked with us on a number of transactions that required time sensitive attention, technical input and adapting to different requirements at the eleventh hour. It is one of the best collaborative approach firms that I have worked with in the IOM and have recommended them to other professionals who have had a similar experience.’

‘Very approachable firm, with all facets of legal matters dealt with.’

‘Very personable and knowledgeable individuals.’

‘The team at DQ is first class. They make excellent use of technology and are collaborative by default. We are active in many countries and markets so we find the culturally aware and internationally diverse approach of DQ very welcoming.’

‘We work closely with Adam Killip and Rachel Winterbach. They are at the top of their game and know how to apply their extensive commercial experience to fast moving mobile app and digital health markets. They take the time to understand what we need and answer our questions quickly and accurately.’

Key clients

Entain Plc (Formally GCV Plc)

Towerbrook Capital Partners

IQE Limited

H/2 Capital Partners

Cavendish Trust Company Limited

The Montreux Healthcare Fund plc

National Asset Management Agency

BoyleSports

TLC Consolidated ULC

Addleshaw Goddard

SMP Partners Limited

Equiom (Isle Of Man) Limited

Cavendish Trust Company Limited

Turnstone (Isle of Man) Limited

Geodrill Limited

Baker Tilly

Work highlights

  • Instructed as sole Isle of Man counsel for Entain in a number of matters, including a restructuring involving the cancellation of loan notes listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE), assisting with the name change, and advising on various transactions concerning the merger of Ladbrokes and Coral.
  • Advising ATLA group on the acquisition of pensions provider Fedelta Pensions and the funding of such acquisition from an institutional lender.

Keystone Law

Keystone Law has an emphasis on high value M&A deals in the jurisdiction, as well as the financial services sector. This includes a client base of banks, trusts and corporate services providers. Hazel Dawson and Vicci Laslett have advised on the listing of a number of trusts on The International Stock Exchange. Geoff Kermeen and Sally Cranshaw are highlighted for their services in deals relating to real estate, as is William Margot, for his expertise handling cross-border M&A deals.

Other key lawyers:

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

Testimonials

‘The Isle of Man team are excellent and provide a first class service in supporting their clients needs and requirements.’

‘Sally Cranshaw is exceptional and has a clear understand of her clients, always delivering against at times difficult deadlines. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Keystone Law in Isle of Man comprises a small number of highly experienced lawyers, always available and responsive who provide a consistently high quality service.’

‘Sally Cranshaw for many years has been our go-to lawyer for our IOM requirements.’

‘Excellent, punctual and pragmatic Isle of Man corporate advice. Worked well in a transactional team.’

‘Geoff Kerman and William Margot were both excellent in the transaction I worked with them on. They were responsive and dealt with complex issues quickly and efficiently. The dealt with the complex migration of a company and explained things clearly.’

Key clients

Henley Investments

Deka Immobilien Investment GMBH

CDAX Limited

QADRE GLOBAL LIMITED

Manx Telecom Trading Limited

MyZone

IQ EQ

Rockpool Investments LLP

Fundamentum Social Housing REIT plc

Sub Zero Holdings Limited

Panoro Energy ASA

Clearbell Capital LLP

Melford Capital Partners LLP

ARA Venn

Work highlights

  • Advised on the acquisition of the Isle of Man company Kish Twelve Limited from Golden Sense International Holdings Ltd (Hong Kong based) and its reconciliation to Jersey.
  • Assisted IoM in connection with multiple transactions including, the disposal of several assets inc. Sygnus Court, St Albans, Festival Way, Basildon, 53 Hatton Garden and the Link Portfolio (forming part of Clearbell’s Core Fund): aggregate disposal proceeds of c. £83M.
  • Documented a tax-efficient and regulation-lite structure that would enable onshore and offshore investors to participate in the acquisition of the 374,046 sq ft business park located in Bedfont Lakes, West London, south of Heathrow Airport.

Humphrey & Helfrich

Humphrey & Helfrich, which until February 2022 was known as Long & Humphrey, combines extensive corporate and commercial expertise with significant experience working in-house at clients such as owner managed businesses and financial services providers. The firm works across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on tech clients from the worlds of e-gaming, blockchain and multimedia. Key names include advocate Matthew Kinrade  and solicitor Eleanor Heywood Jones, who ‘provide a responsive, high-quality service.’

Practice head(s):

Matt Kinrade

Other key lawyers:

Eleanor Heywood Jones

Testimonials

‘We have been using the practice since its formation. They have unique strenth in corporate work as we are at the present using them for a sale of our buisiness.’

‘I have always dealt with the company at partner level and have found them to be extremely efficient’

‘The firm take a pragmatic approach in their advice specialising in corporate and commercial.’

‘Eleanor Heywood-Jones is our ‘go-to’ person in the practice. She is very personable and approachable and if she is unable to advise on the matter to hand she will ensure that another Advocate in the practice is introduced.’

‘Matt Kinrade and Eleanor Heywood-Jones provide a responsive, high-quality service.’

‘They whole team are wonderful to work with.’

Key clients

Manx Financial Group Plc

Juvenescence Ltd

KBH Limited

Cavendish Trust Limited

Conister Bank Limited

Aston International Limited

Sterling Trust Limited

Emmerson Plc

Horizonte Minerals Plc

Work highlights

  • Acted as Isle of Man advisor in the main market de-listing and AIM admission of Emmerson Plc.
  • Advised AIM and TSX listed Horizonte Minerals Plc in relation to a USD346,000,000 re-financing.
  • Assisted the founders in relation to the establishment of a Metaverse and associated token issue.

Simcocks

Simcocks prides itself on its ability to provide effective advice to corporate and fiduciary service providers. The firm handles a wide variety of matters, including investment funds, with a team led by Irini Newby, who also leads the commercial property and employment departments. Alex Spencer specialises in corporate acquisitions and disposals, alongside non-contentious liquidation and insolvency matters. Associate advocate Sarah Wolter is recommended for her work for a range of private companies and banks.

Practice head(s):

Irini Newby

Other key lawyers:

Alex Spencer; Sarah Wolter; Kevin O’Loughlin

Testimonials

‘Very competent team with specialist members in all areas.’

‘I have used Simcocks for over 30 years and Irini Newby who is a senior partner for more than 15 years. She knows my business and gives fast, accurate advice when I need it.’

Work highlights

  • Acted as counsel to real estate investment fund RDI REIT, in connection with the acquisition of its entire issued share capital by Starwood Capital. The acquisition by Starwood was undertaken pursuant to a Court approved scheme of arrangement.

MannBenham Advocates Limited

MannBenham Advocates Limited specialises in M&A, business sales/purchases and banking and finance matters, while also having a strong presence in the gaming and e-business sectors. They have an affiliated corporate services provider enabling them to handle all of a business client’s affairs. Managing director Miles Benham works alongside director Carly Stratton, who has a broad corporate and commercial practice that covers finance, employment, real estate and immigration. Senior counsel Paul Beckett expertise covers commercial and trust law, banking and fund management.

Practice head(s):

Carly Stratton; Miles Benham

Other key lawyers:

Paul Beckett

Key clients

Ableton Prestige Global Limited

Acclaim Limited

AceKing IOM Limited

Anglo Manx Trust Company Limited

Babylon Gaming Limited

Celton Manx Limited

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

Crimson Panda Limited

Crogga Limited

Ernst & Young LLC

FHQ eCommerce Limited

Gamesys Group PLC

Hengxin Technology Limited

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Premier Gateway International Limited

RBSI – Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited

SportPesa Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for Crogga which is developing the Isle of Man’s offshore gas field, including the preparation of a suite of agreements and supporting corporate resolutions relating to the exploitation of the offshore gas field.
  • Advised EY (Ernst & Young) assisting on with a variety of corporate and insolvency work both locally and internationally.
  • Instructed by the Royal Bank of Scotland International to review the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority historical requirements at three time periods over the last 22 years, with a review of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering Offences) Act 1998, and the Anti-Money Laundering Code 1998.