Jersey

PRESS RELEASE: 5 February 2026 In Jersey, Tom Hall joins from Ogier. He is recognised in the Legal 500 2026 for “the clarity of his advice” and was described in the Legal 500 2025 as “an excellent senior associate, responsive and with real expertise in sanctions and regulatory matters”. Tom is experienced in advising on high-value, multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes, notably those involving fraud and asset recovery, contentious regulatory and white-collar crime matters, and complex trust and fund disputes. Olena Golovtchouk has joined the firm’s British Virgin Islands office, bringing extensive experience in commercial litigation and international arbitration, having previously worked at Gateley Legal and Osborne Clarke. Olena has advised on complex international disputes and regulatory matters and has particular experience acting in cross-border proceedings. Tom and Olena’s appointments follow the recent arrival of Owen Vanstone-Hallam, who joined the firm’s London office in September. Owen qualified at Slaughter and May before working as a consultant solicitor, and specialises in complex cross-border commercial disputes, insolvency, fraud and asset recovery matters. He has acted on a number of high-profile multi-jurisdictional matters and advises clients across a range of sectors. Working across different jurisdictions, Tom, Olena and Owen will focus on offshore and multi-jurisdictional dispute resolution work, reinforcing Baker & Partners’ collaborative approach and capabilities across its international offices. Commenting on the appointments, Managing Partner Stephen Baker said: “Tom, Owen and Olena each bring valuable experience from leading firms, strengthening our ability to support clients across multiple jurisdictions. I’m delighted to welcome them all to Baker & Partners.”

Mourant, an international professional services firm, has advised Guernsey-based hospitality group R.W. Randall Limited (Randalls) on its strategic acquisition of Big Red Guernsey Limited, owner of three popular restaurants on the island: Red, Rosso, and Tinto. The transaction underscores Mourant’s strength in delivering fully integrated, multi‑disciplinary advice on complex local, cross‑practice mandates. Mourant's Corporate team led the M&A aspects of the deal, supported by specialist advice across competition, employment, data protection, and commercial property, ensuring a seamless end‑to‑end service for the client. The deal was led by Corporate Partner James Cousins, with support from Corporate Associate Ashley Kerr. Corporate Partner Alana Gillies Ridout and Paralegal Ella Kirk helped secure the required approval from the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority. Employment Partner Rachel Guthrie and Commercial Property Senior Associates Laura Bougourd and Alison Wood provided specialist employment and property advice. Mourant's lawyers worked closely with investment management and corporate and property advisory services group Ravenscroft Capital, reflecting a collaborative approach that combined legal and commercial insight in support of Randall's strategic growth objectives. James Cousins commented: "This transaction is a great example of how our Guernsey practice brings together a depth of expertise from across multiple different disciplines. Working together with Ravenscroft, our proactive, collaborative approach facilitated a smooth process for the client. I am thrilled for the team at Randalls and confident that this exciting acquisition will be a great success." This acquisition builds on Mourant's existing relationship with Randalls. In late 2025, the same team also supported Randalls on its acquisition of FH Holdings Limited, owner of The Farmhouse.

Mourant, an international professional services firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of three Partners based in its Channel Islands and Cayman Islands offices. Benjamin Manchak and Jessica Vickers from the firm's Guernsey and Cayman Islands Litigation practices, and Jersey investment funds specialist Stefan Chinniah, will become Partners from 1 February 2026. Benjamin has been with Mourant since 2015 and possesses broad litigation experience developed during his decade at the firm, time spent at leading firms in the US and UK, and a period at the Office of the Prosecutor's Appeals Unit at the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia. In Legal 500 UK 2026, Benjamin is recognised as a Leading Associate in Dispute Resolution. Jessica joined Mourant in 2016 and advises on high-value cross-border commercial disputes, including contentious trust matters, fraud and misconduct allegations, and insolvency and restructuring cases. She was recently appointed co-chair of the Cayman Islands branch of the International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC). Stefan first joined Mourant in 2012 and returned in 2020 after time spent with CMS in London. His practice focuses on the formation and operation of private equity, venture capital and real estate funds and investment structures. Law firm Managing Partner, Ben Robins, commented: "I would like to congratulate Ben, Jessica and Stefan on their well-deserved appointments. All three lawyers have made outstanding contributions to their practice areas and the wider firm over the years, and it's a pleasure to welcome them to our leadership team." Benjamin said: "It's an honour to be joining the Mourant partnership. Having spent much of my career at the firm, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptionally talented colleagues and am grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received over the years. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of our Litigation practice in the coming years." Jessica said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the partnership and for this opportunity to progress my career at Mourant. I feel fortunate to work alongside such dedicated and talented colleagues, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities I’ve had since joining the firm. I'm excited to continue building our Cayman litigation offering and contribute to the growth of the practice." Stefan added: "I'm delighted to be appointed Partner. Mourant has been central to my professional journey, and I’m proud to work with such dedicated, collaborative teams across the firm. Our market-leading Jersey Funds practice continues to go from strength to strength, and I am excited to help drive further innovation and excellent outcomes for our clients." These latest appointments follow last year's addition of six new partners across Mourant's Jersey, Guernsey, Luxembourg and Cayman Islands offices, reflecting its continued investment in talent and leadership across the firm.

Mourant, a law firm-led professional services firm, has advised on the offshore corporate, finance and real estate aspects of the £5.2 billion disposal of Barchester Healthcare to Welltower, thought to be the world's largest-ever care home deal. Barchester is one of the UK’s leading independent care providers, operating over 250 care homes and seven registered hospitals, and employing more than 17,000 staff. Contracts were exchanged on 11 September 2025, with completion taking place on 16 October 2025. Mourant corporate and finance Partners Sam Malpass and Gareth Rigby led the Jersey law aspects of the transaction, supported by Senior Associates Lauren Maycox Turner, Sarah Kerr and James Le Seelleur, and Associates Carla Nocerino and Leah Harvey. The Jersey real estate aspects of the transaction were led by Head of Property, Julie Melia. The BVI law aspects were handled by Partner Ian Montgomery, with assistance from Associate Katharina Jungclaussen. Gareth Rigby, Global Practice Leader for Corporate and Finance, commented: "Having acted for Barchester for over 25 years, we have been delighted to witness the success that the excellent management team has delivered for this business. This transaction reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship with Barchester and showcases the depth of expertise across our global corporate, finance, and real estate teams in advising on complex, multijurisdictional deals." Mourant's expertise in Corporate and Finance has recently been recognised with a top tier ranking in leading independent legal directory, Chambers and Partners, with a source in the guide commenting: "The quality of advice, market knowledge and delivery to timetable is always first class. They are our first choice for all Jersey law work on corporate matters."