Appleby fields a sizable corporate team and particularly distinguishes itself through its network of offices across other offshore jurisdictions. Managing partner Faye Moffett oversees the team and is known for her expertise in the financial services sector, while Juan Thornley has a similar focus and also works on matters pertaining to the insurance sector. BVI-qualified Kyle Sutherland offers a unique service where he advises on BVI-related matters during GMT working hours. Garry Manley is also BVI qualified and advised SB Tech on its $3.3bn landmark merger with DraftKings. Another key figure is Tom Brook, who is an expert in M&A and restructuring mandates.
Corporate and commercial in Isle Of Man
Appleby
Practice head(s):
Faye Moffett
Other key lawyers:
Juan Thornley; Kyle Sutherland; Garry Manley; Tom Brook
Testimonials
‘The Appleby corporate team were good to work with, responsive, collaborative and solution-oriented.’
‘Juan Thornley is recommended for his speed of response, accuracy and being good to work with.’
‘Always available, prompt responses, and good understanding of my requirements.’
Key clients
Eros STX Global Corporation
STX Filmworks, Inc.
International Financial Group Limited
Ravenscroft Group
W.H. Ireland Group plc
Monument Re Limited
SBTech (Global) Limited
Erso Capital PCC Limited
Work highlights
- Advised SBTech Limited on its $3.3bn business combination with DraftKings Inc. and Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp.
- Advised NEPI Rockcastle on matters of Isle of Man law in relation to an update to its Guaranteed Euro Medium Term Note Programme.
- Advised Monument Re Limited on its acquisition of Charles Taylor Group’s Isle of Man operations.
Cains
Cains advises on some of the biggest deals in the market and is the largest independent firm in the Isle of Man. In a recent deal of note, the team advised the Stars Group on a $12.2bn merger with Flutter Entertainment. Alongside the gambling sector, the team’s workload has also included mandates in the financial services, insurance and telecoms industries. Leading the team is Tristan Head and Scott Leonard -Morgan; both have extensive experience in handling multi-jurisdictional M&A. The team is also supported by Stephanie Chew, who is particularly known for her expertise in property-related corporate transactions. Associate Matthew Wilkinson is a promising name at the junior level. Senior counsels Andrew Baker and Richard Vanderplank retired.
Practice head(s):
Tristan Head; Scott Leonard-Morgan
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Chew; Matthew Wilkinson
Testimonials
‘The team at Cains were really helpful in setting out the requirements of Isle of Man law and the paperwork required, which helped the transaction complete in a timely manner.’
‘Scott Leonard Morgan was very responsive with a great hands on and practical approach in relation to the advice provided.’
‘Response time, collaboration, efficiency.’
‘Tristan Head and Matthew Wilkinson performed excellently. The quality of work and turnaround periods were in keeping with the standard we had hoped for. ’
‘Cains are the clear market leaders in the Isle of Man for corporate practice. They bring onshore standards of service and expertise to the offshore market.’
‘Tristan Head and Scott Leonard-Morgan are our main contacts and consistently impress. Their work is delivered on time every time and always to the expected standard. They are commercial and always available.’
‘Clarity of advice, sound advice, speed of response.’
‘Personable, approachable, efficient and effective.’
Key clients
AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc
Clearbell
Eros International Plc
Flutter Entertainment PLC
KPMG LLC
Avignon Capital Limited
The Stars Group
IQEQ
Manx Telecom Limited
Tullow Oil PLC
M7 Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advising Eros International PLC on the merger of a newly formed subsidiary of Eros with STX Filmworks, Inc (“STX Entertainment”).
- Advised AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc (an Isle of Man company) in relation to its offering of $700m aggregate principal amount of 3.750% notes due 2030.
- Advised on the $12.2bn merger of The Stars Group (Sky Betting, Pokerstars, etc.) with Flutter Entertainment PLC (owner of Paddy Power Betfair and FanDuel).
DQ
DQ is a strong independent practice and, through its membership of TAG Law, can draw upon an international network for cross-border matters. The team’s recent workload has included major M&A and restructurings, as well as general commercial and regulatory work. Andrew Harding leads the practice and, as a former representative at the Isle of Man Government Financial Services Advisory Group, is uniquely placed to handle deals in the finance sector. Financial services work is also an area of focus for Mark Dougherty, who is skilled in M&A, corporate and commercial work. Senior associate Adam Killip and associate director Donna Matthews are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Harding
Other key lawyers:
Mark Dougherty; Adam Kilip; Donna Matthews
Testimonials
‘DQ are an innovative and forward thinking practice. They are very people focused and make good use of technology in their work. DQ communicate clearly and openly and are committed to achieving their client’s aims and objectives in an efficient and effective manner.’
‘Mark Dougherty leads the firm with drive and a determination to bring success to the practice and the wider Isle of Man economy.’
‘Andy Harding and his team advised on a substantial M&A transaction over a number of months. Andy and his team were a pleasure to work with and entirely focused on achieving the best possible outcome for their client.’
‘The team at DQ are very approachable and responsive and have provided commercial advice over a wide breadth of topics. The customer service is excellent and I felt like a valued client during interactions with all members of the team.’
‘The primary individuals I’ve worked with from the DQ team are Andrew Harding and Adam Killip. In addition to the quality of the advice provided, they were quick to respond to my calls and emails and I appreciated the candid nature of both when dealing with our matters.’
‘The team has a wide variety of specialisms. They are very approachable, helpful and respond quickly with good advice.’
‘The DQ team are always helpful, efficient and approachable. They provide practical advice and interpret and explain complex technical points concisely and clearly.’
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
Turnstone (Isle of Man) Limited
Geodrill Limited
Baker Tilly
Work highlights
- Advising Entain on a restructuring involving the cancellation of loan notes listed on The International Stock Exchange (TISE) by GVC Holdings (UK) Limited.
- Advised TowerBrook Capital Partners on the acquisition of CarTrawler Group from BC Partners.
- Advised IQE Limited in relation to its sale to Boston Group.
Keystone Law
Keystone Law is the only firm in the Isle of Man with a London office , which makes it well placed to advise on real estate transactions with Manx structures. The practice also has a strong emphasis on the financial services sector, with a client list containing banks, corporate services providers and trusts. Geoff Kermeen and Sally Cranshaw are key names for the firm’s real estate work, as is Stephen Rodd, who formerly worked in the London and Dubai markets. William Margot is another key name, and handles the firm’s work for corporate service providers.
Other key lawyers:
Geoff Kermeen; Sally Cranshaw; Stephen Rodd; William Margot
Testimonials
‘The Keystone team in Isle of Man are very responsive, proactive and fees are always reasonable.’
‘We have used Sally Cranshaw for many years now. She is very well liked by our team, works very efficiently with other legal firms covering different jurisdictions and is invariably the one we turn to for Isle of Man legal matters.’
‘Provide a bespoke and very efficient service. Excellent response time and great anticipation of requirements and management of transaction.’
‘Sally Cranshaw has an excellent understanding of her clients requirements and provides a first class service often with limited notice and in short order. Very good at managing the whole transaction process for her client from beginning to end.’
‘Will Margot is great! Very knowledgeable and always available.’
‘The team at Keystone have worked with me for over a decade. They understand our business and tailor the approach depending on our particular challenges at the time, which are usually quite unique in their own way. There is a wealth of experience individually as a team, many of our projects require several law disciplines/specialists who collaborate together to ensure we have the best advice and outcome. We have never felt that we are not top priority to the team.’
‘We have presented the team with several challenges on new contract types, which often have to be developed from scratch. Again this team always deliver.’
‘Stephen Rodd has been an invaluable adviser, it often feels like he is more of a colleague than an advocate. He goes beyond what would normally be expected, with fast responses in difficult circumstances, often working overnight and at weekends to keep us ahead of the challenges and gives a good balance to our team when dealing with issues. When needed, Stephen brings in the right level of resource to help resolve matters or make the right move.’
Key clients
Manx Telecom Trading Limited
Greenridge Investment Management Limited; Greenridge CQ4 Holdco Limited; Greenridge CQ4; Propco Limited; Greenridge BOD Holdco Limited; Greenridge GHS Holdco Limited;
Hill Robinson Management Limited
Ocorian
Rockpool Investments LLP / Boston Group Newco IOM Limited
Fundamentum Social Housing REIT plc
Sub Zero Holdings Limited
Panoro Energy ASA
Clearbell Capital LLP
ARA Venn
Work highlights
- Advised on Ocorian’s acquisition of Estera.
- Provided IoM law advice to ARA Venn on the provision of acquisition financing of the £400m acquisition of three build to rent developments by ECE.
- Advised Greenridge Investment Management Limited on the acquisition of Great Northern Retail Park, Huddersfield from BAE Systems Pension Funds Trustees Limited.
Humphrey & Helfrich
Humphrey & Helfrich is ‘one of the leading independent firms in the Isle of Man’ and is particularly experienced in handling corporate and commercial issues involving major properties. Matthew Kinrade leads the firm and, alongside property work, has also been focusing advising SMEs, particularly in the technology sector. Eleanor Heywood Jones, who focuses on corporate acquisitions and joint ventures, is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Kinrade
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Heywood Jones
Testimonials
‘L&H has the enviable ability to combine excellent knowledge and recall with technical skill and strategic nous, all delivered in a professional yet eminently approachable and can-do style, which for me made the whole experience of working with them a delight and has set the bar high.’
‘Eleanor Heywood-Jones is a pleasure to work with. She is always responsive and commits to agreed time-frames with tight deadlines. Very knowledgeable in the corporate commercial field.’
‘Eleanor Heywood-Jones – prompt at responding and straight forward to deal with. Provides high quality service that can be relied upon and is understandable by a non-legal person.’
‘The fact that you can be assured of the same level of service and technical delivery from any of the Partners is great.’
‘Matthew Kinrade, not only has the technical competences you would expect but also has high EQ and interpersonal skills.’
‘I have worked extensively with Matthew Kinrade over the past few years. Matthew has a clear understanding of what makes a good Corporate and Commercial Lawyer and he demonstrates this in practice. He has valuable qualities not always found in other providers. He is highly organized, a skilled communicator and excellent with his clients.’
‘One of the leading independent firms in the Isle of Man. As they are not part of a larger off-shore global firm they are both commercial and very reasonably priced in terms of fees, but at the same time have the depth to manage even larger transactions.’
‘Good, solid smaller legal firm. Knows our business well, and provides good cost effective advice.’
Key clients
Manx Financial Group plc
Juvenescence Limited
Portman Healthcare Limited
Regal Sherwood Oaks Limited
Edgewater Associates Limited
Celtic Associates Limited
Cayman National Trust Company (Isle of Man) Limited
Aston International Limited
Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited
IOM Enterprises plc
Poundland Limited
Sancus (IOM) Limited
Sterling Trust Limited
Conister Bank Limited
Work highlights
- Advised AIM listed Manx Financial Group plc in relation to the introduction of a scrip dividend scheme.
- Advised Portman Healthcare Limited on the Isle of Man elements of the acquisition of three Isle of Man dental practices.
Simcocks
Simcocks stands out for its expertise in advising corporate and fiduciary service providers, with a client list containing top UK law firms. Practice head Irini Newby has broad expertise across corporate and commercial work, with additional expertise in complementary areas including property and employment mandates. She is supported by Alex Spencer, who specialises in corporate acquisitions and disposals, as well as public listings. Associate Kevin O’Loughlin, who advises trust providers on corporate and commercial work, is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Irini Newby
Other key lawyers:
Alex Spencer; Kevin O’Loughlin
Testimonials
‘The team at Simcocks provide a wide range of corporate and commercial experience. They work efficiently and turnaround times have been remarkable.’
‘Alex Spencer was the partner who led the team on the sale of my business. He provided useful advice and markers for the process from start to finish. As a result I knew what to expect during the negotiations and at each turn in the discussions was well prepared for the outcome. The sale process and the regulatory requirements relating to the sale went without a hitch.’
‘Our Company is quite complex and it has therefore been a great help that over the last ten years that I have used Simcocks and I have always dealt with the same people. They know the business, they can respond to requests quickly and we have a good working relationship.’
‘I have mainly worked with Alex Spencer and Kevin McLoughlin. Their in-depth knowledge of the IOM Company Law has assisted our Company through many complex transactions.’
‘Incredibly responsive, commercial, efficient and personable.’
‘Alex Spencer is very personable, commercial and responsive.’
Key clients
Charterhouse Lombard Limited
DAC Beachcroft
Shepherd Wedderburn LLP
Schroders
Work highlights
- Advising Charterhouse Lombard on the methods of merging various companies within the group.
- Advising Charterhouse Lombard on the acquisition of a fiduciary services business.
- Providing advice to Schroders in connection with a bond issued by Canada Life International Assurance.
MannBenham Advocates Limited
MannBenham Advocates Limited assists clients with commercial agreements and regulatory compliance work, with a particular focus on the technology, gambling and financial services sectors. The team is also skilled in handling corporate trust structures and leverages the firm's in-house fiduciary service provider. Carly Stratton and Miles Benham lead the practice, and are supported by senior counsel Paul Beckett.
Practice head(s):
Carly Stratton; Miles Benham
Other key lawyers:
Paul Beckett
Testimonials
‘Hands on legal firm in the Isle of Man, big enough to handle your business, small enough to care. A personal practical firm with pleasant staff that adopt a can do approach to most areas.’
‘The practice is headed up by Miles Benham, who is very attentive on the finer details. I can highly recommend this firm if you require legal help to do any business in this jurisdiction.’
‘Carly Stratton has an exceptional grasp of company law and company structures.’
‘Excellent team knowledge and experience in the sector.’
‘The team are responsive and have good local knowledge.’
‘Miles Benham in particular offers a high-level of service and pragmatic advice.’
‘Very cohesive team that work together to provide solutions in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Ableton Prestige Global Limited
Babylon Gaming
Aceking IOM Limited
Gamesys Group PLC
Sportpesa Holdings Limited
Jackpotjoy
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
FHQ eCommerce Limited
The First Nations of Canada
Premier Gateway International Limited
iGaming Platform
Gaming Realms PLC
Ernst & Young
Celton Manx
Crogga Energy Limited
Kewenvoyouma Law PLLC
RSL Holdings
Ledingham Chalmers LLP
OBH Partners
XB Solutions International Ltd
WeirFoulds LLP
Acclaim Limited
CastleWard s.r.o.
Fedelta Trust Limited
RBS International
ICM Group
Henderson Limited
Dynamic Technologies (International) Co Ltd
Global Chain Limited
Spey Group
Thompson Allen LLP
XLabs Limited
Anglo Manx Trust Company Limited
Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce
Work highlights
- Advised Crogga Energy on the development of an offshore gas field.
- Advised Gamesys Plc in respect of its operations including specialist gaming advice, immigration and employment law.
- Advised the First Nations of Canada on the establishment of a new online bank by the First Nations.
Quinn Legal
Quinn Legal handles the full spectrum of commercial work including corporate governance issues, M&A, restructurings, data protection matters and trust advice. Stephen Savage leads the team and is highly skilled in cross-border issues; he is also qualified in Scotland and England and Wales. He has also carved out a particular niche in the Isle of Man’s fintech space, specifically in relation to blockchain and cryptocurrency matters. Peter Cannell also has a broad skillset across corporate and commercial work, with a particular emphasis on the charity sector.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Savage
Other key lawyers:
Peter Cannell
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of our commercial needs and able to draft relevant agreements which hit the mark.’
‘Stephen Savage – knowledgeable and quick to resend.’
‘Incredibly pro-active and always looking to make the client experience as hassle free as possible. Quinn Legal are very innovative in terms of the services they provide and how they present and package their services. They are certainly not an old traditional stuffy law practice! Their approach always ensures the client receives excellent advice in a clear and concise manner.’
‘Stephen Savage has provided excellent advice and transactional support over a number of years.’
‘We have worked with Quinn Legal, specifically Stephan Savage, whom we followed there. The team are now well versed with the intricacies of our organisation.’
‘All members of the team that we work with are knowledgeable, efficient and provide consistently high-quality work.’
‘Peter Cannell is our ‘go to’ adviser in the Isle of Man. His knowledge is encyclopaedic and he always delivers his advice on time, on budget and in plain English.’
‘When we have a complex legal problem in the Isle of Man, then we ask Quinn Legal as they listen and take the time to understand our requirements and to translate legislation into useable working policies or documents relevant to our organisation.’
Key clients
Crogga Limited / Crogga Energy Limited
Sovereign Trust (Isle of Man) Limited
Lendr PCC Limited
Kez Limited
CoinCorner Limited
Bittylicious (Isle of Man) Limited
I.I.C. Partners Limited
Nasaleze International Limited
Manx Precision Optics Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Bahamas Petroleum on its latest financing round.
- Provided Lendr PCC with governance advice.
- Advising Bittylicious, a crypto-currency trading platform, on various legal aspects arising from establishing a presence in the IOM.