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

Appleby routinely acts on the region’s most valuable and complex transactions, and is distinguished by its breadth and depth of expertise, as well as its international capabilities. Juan Thornley provides M&A and corporate advice to clients in the financial services sector and is a key name for regulatory enquiries, while Garry Manley ‘provides excellent turnarounds on complicated projects’ for his insurance, banking, and CSP clients. In addition to her wide corporate practice, Katherine Garrood has notable expertise in investment fund work. Darryl Jago and Sophie Corkish are also noted for their expertise in high-profile M&A deals.

Practice head(s):

Juan Thornley; Garry Manley


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Garrood; Michelle Brook; Darryl Jago; Sophie Corkish


Testimonials

‘Garry Manley provides excellent turnarounds on complicated projects.’ 

‘They’re experienced and on the ball – they make transactions run smoothly, solve problems, and are one less thing to worry about.’


Key clients

Tesco


Zurich Insurance Group


Peel Group


Utmost Group


Monument


Playtech


International Financial Group


Strix


Alvarium


Blackfridge


Pension SuperFund


Admenta Holdings


LeoVegas AB


Standard Chartered Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Tesco on its acquisition of the Isle of Man’s largest supermarket chain.
  • Advised a pension fund on the recommended takeover of a listed IOM company.
  • Acted for a listed IOM company on a $1.25bn take-private offer.

Cains

Cains has a strong reputation in the corporate and commercial arena, consistently acting on the island’s notable transactions for a client roster of significant domestic and international businesses, including blue-chip clients. Team co-head Scott Leonard-Morgan has notable experience in M&A, finance transactions, and general corporate and regulatory matters, while fellow co-head Tristan Head demonstrates ‘a wealth of understanding of the Isle of Man M&A process’. Stephanie Chew is noted for her work on acquisitions, restructurings, and reorganisations, and Matthew Wilkinson regularly handles the firm’s cross-border instructions. Kirsten Porter is a key name at senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Scott Leonard-Morgan; Tristan Head


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Chew; Matthew Wilkinson; Kirsten Porter


Testimonials

‘Cains demonstrated clear technical knowledge of the M&A process in the Isle of Man and were able to highlight key differences. They were able to introduce other specialist teams within Cains efficiently without a drop in service levels.’

‘Tristan Head gave concise and commercial advice and demonstrated a wealth of understanding of the Isle of Man M&A process.’ 

‘Kirsten Porter was highly responsive and efficient, and adopted a commercial approach throughout the transaction from start to finish.’

‘Tristan Head and Kirsten Porter were always a pleasure to deal with.’ 

‘The members of the practice I have dealt with are very knowledgeable in their area of expertise, professional and proactive. They have been extremely approachable and helpful.’

‘Scott Leonard-Morgan is our main contact and knows our business very well, resulting in very efficient and practical advice on all matters that come up for us where we require legal assistance and guidance.’ 

‘They ensure that we are kept up-to-date on any matters which arise in the transaction and would recommend them without hesitation to colleagues that are looking for exceptional representation in the IOM.’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks


Banco Santander


BNP Paribas


Credit Suisse


Flutter Entertainment


HSBC


NatWest


Nomura International


DQ

DQ is an independent law firm which offers specialist tax, regulatory, and compliance services. Andrew Harding leads the practice and has an in-depth understanding of financial services regulation. As well as general commercial expertise, Mark Dougherty is experienced in Bermudan and shipping law. Annemarie Hughes is recognised for her commercial expertise, particularly regarding trust and tax law, and Donna Matthews manages a broad range of commercial matters, undertaking work for ship financiers.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Harding


Other key lawyers:

Mark Dougherty; Annemarie Hughes; Donna Matthews; Rachel Winterbach; Kim Emery


Testimonials

‘DQ listen to your needs and work to that. They champion their younger members of the team which allows them to tap into additional resources with modern ways of thinking.’

‘Across DQ, the team take care to listen and understand your specific problem and work to resolve this.’ 

‘Andrew Harding stands out for his experience and his solutions-driven and commercially focused advice.’

‘Kim Emery has been exceptional through our engagement. Kim understood the nature of what we were trying to achieve.’ 

‘Mark Dougherty has built an exceptional team of talented legal professionals.’ 

‘The DQ team provide an exceptional service. We have utilised them many times for the provision of advice relating to many different subject matters and the advice they provide is always concise and well structured.’

Work highlights


  • Advised on a restructuring involving the cancellation of loan notes listed on the International Stock Exchange.
  • Advising Crédit Agricole and Sumitomo Mitsui concerning the Sea Bridge Finance Limited joint venture.
  • Acted on the sale of Bodystat Limited for the sum of €650,000.

Keystone Law

Complex M&A deals and corporate real estate transactions are both mainstays of Keystone Law‘s commercial practice. Geoff Kermeen has advised on a litany of matters relating to high-value commercial property assets on behalf of blue-chip clients, while Sally Cranshaw assists with commercial real estate financings through Isle of Man investment vehicles. William Margot strengthens the firm’s M&A and regulatory capabilities, whereas Stephen Rodd has expertise in tax and VAT offshore structures. Hazel Dawson advises listed companies on IPOs, reverse takeovers, restructurings, and rights issuances.

Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘Sally Cranshaw is fantastic.’

‘The Isle of Man team provides excellent client service and attention to detail.’

‘Sally Cranshaw is always a pleasure to work with. Efficient, knowledgeable and provides excellent client service.’

Key clients

Santander


Fundamentum Social Housing


Blue Heaven Holdings


Jacksons Car Dealership


OakNorth Bank


Citibank


HSBC


Clearbell Capital


Melford Capital Partners


Leeds Queens Hotel Holdings


Deutsche Bank


M22 Portfolio Property


Z Hotels Garrick House Hotel


Investec Bank


Humphrey & Helfrich

The corporate team at Humphrey & Helfrich assists a wide range of clients, from domestic SMEs to multinational companies and financial entities. Matthew Kinrade leads the department, and has specialist knowledge of M&A matters with particular expertise in the technology industry. Chris Blackburn handles a variety of corporate and commercial matters, including shareholder agreements, restructurings, and high-value takeovers.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Kinrade


Other key lawyers:

Chris Blackburn


Testimonials

‘We work with the team at Humphrey & Helfrich on several transactions relating to Corporate and Commercial. We find their knowledge, communication and collaboration with a particular focus on problem-solving to be exceptional.’

‘Matt Kinrade is knowledgeable, friendly and hard-working. He understands our needs and goes the extra mile to achieve results.’

‘The people I dealt with were Chris Blackburn and Matt Kinrade; they were helpful, efficient and quick to respond. They took time to explain in simple language, easy for anyone to understand.’

‘Matt Kinrade and the team all communicate legal matters clearly and understandably. Everyone we deal with is confident, competent and knowledgeable.’

‘Very approachable and responsive firm with an excellent understanding of the law and our requirements.’

Key clients

Fortress Group


Funfair Holdings


Horizonte Minerals


MHG Ocean Benefits


Sterling Trust


Clear Pharmacy


Work highlights


  • Acted for the buyer on the purchase of a chain of retail pharmacies.
  • Advising the seller on the multi-million-pound sale of a well-known technology business.
  • Acted as Isle of Man advisers in respect of a multi-million-pound cross-border sale of an Isle of Man company and subsequent give up of assets.

Simcocks

The team at Simcocks is experienced in a litany of corporate and commercial matters. Irini Newby is the team head and an expert in employment and commercial property law, while Alex Spencer regularly handles matters at the intersection of company and financial law. Kevin O’Loughlin enhances the practice’s capabilities in trust, regulatory and pensions law.

Practice head(s):

Irini Newby


Other key lawyers:

Alex Spencer; Kevin O’Loughlin


Testimonials

‘The team has been looking after us for a long time and they have always provided us with exceptional professional and informed advice.’ 

‘The team’s commercial acumen and attention to key areas while keeping the overall objectives of the projects at the forefront have been invaluable.’

‘Alex Spencer’s knowledge of how to structure corporate and commercial agreements stands out, his advice is always to the point.’

‘Alex Spencer stands out in particular. Of all the legal professionals we have used over the years, his experience in a wide range of areas is unmatched.’ 

‘Irini Newby is professional, knowledgeable, contactable and a good communicator.’

Key clients

Adare Properties


C & C


Charterhouse Lombard


Deloitte LLP


Equiom


Galacia


Headprop


HSBC Bank


Schroder & Co


Telecabs


Tevir Properties


Verified Group Holdings


XLS Dental


Work highlights


  • Advising a group on a range of regulatory issues arising in respect of Isle of Man gambling regulation.

MannBenham Advocates Limited

MannBenham Advocates Limited is a key name in the market for clients from the island’s bourgeoning gaming and online gambling sectors. Miles Benham ‘distinguishes himself with his extensive experience and exceptional legal acumen’, while Paul Beckett oversees a diverse workload, advising a plethora of organisations, trusts and individuals. Carly Stratton heads up the firm’s eGaming team.

Practice head(s):

Carly Stratton; Miles Benham


Other key lawyers:

Paul Beckett


Testimonials

‘The team at MannBenham were very professional and friendly throughout my dealings with them. They provided me with timely and relevant information.’ 

‘I dealt primarily with Paul Beckett who is a very experienced individual. The team soon identified the pathway forward to enable me to achieve the result desired.’ 

‘MannBenham Advocates Limited sets itself apart with a blend of traditional expertise and modern innovation. Potential clients value their deep understanding of local and international laws, ensuring tailored solutions. The team’s strength lies in their diverse expertise and clear communication.’ 

Key clients

Hillberry Trust Company


Quayside Services


CIC Consultants


Pire


Polaris


St John Ambulance


Work highlights


  • Advised on the restructuring of a captive insurance management company.
  • Drafted a Game Provision Agreement between the client and a US-based entity.
  • Advised a client on core processes, including the laws of copyright, trade marks and patents; and GDPR procedures.

SW Legal

SW Legal caters to domestic and international clients, providing advice across a varied range of corporate and commercial work. Stephen W Savage is ‘a highly capable commercial advocate’, who regularly advises on matters spanning the full extent of company law.

Practice head(s):

Stephen W Savage


Testimonials

‘Excellent commercial knowledge and understanding of Isle of Man law as it relates to contractual issues.’ 

‘The team is extremely helpful and available. ’

‘Stephen Savage is a highly competent lawyer and goes beyond what is expected of him to make sure his clients receive the highest quality service. His advice is straightforward and to the point. He is very courteous and listens very well.’

‘SW Legal combines a very high degree of specialist knowledge with easy approachability.’

‘Stephen Savage is a highly pragmatic and responsive lawyer. His detailed knowledge of Isle of Man company law and his willingness to get stuck in has assisted greatly. He is highly reliable.’

‘Advice provided by Stephen Savage is always unambiguous whenever possible and even in situations where high uncertainty exists, such uncertainty is clearly explained along with the various possible outcomes. ’

‘Stephen Savage is a highly capable commercial advocate.’

Key clients

IOD Isle of Man


Turnstone


Agrimark


Tandem Corporate Services


Loadsoftraffic


Challenger Energy Group


Found Global


Endor Consultants 2013


Blackford and Company Insurance Brokers


Ashgroves Corporate Services


Sentient International


Work highlights


  • Advised Turnstone on the sale of its client book to Boston Limited.
  • Advised IOD in connection with the drafting and negotiation of the first ‘International Branch Agreement’ with the Institute of Directors.
  • Provided general advice and assistance to the AIM-listed energy company, Challenger Energy Group.