Ruairi Bourke > Maples Group > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Lawyer Profile

Maples Group continues to focus on high value transactions for institutional clients, with a banking, finance and capital markets offering that is especially well regarded in the aircraft and shipping sectors. The department makes for a reliable high-end choice in general banking matters, equity and debt capital markets, deals with private equity backing, cross-border restructurings, and asset and project financing. Chris Newton has well over a decade of experience offshore and a track record assisting with all manner of banking, finance and restructuring transactions for financial institutions, sponsors, investors and borrowers. He co-leads the practice group with Ruairi Bourke, go-to counsel for a number of multinational banks, and the capital markets contact for prominent group companies and investors. Key support comes from Chloe Harris, while veteran former group leader Richard May retired in November 2023.

The long-established BVI corporate law offering at Maples Group is a top choice for corporate advisory issues, M&A, private equity matters, and restructurings. Its client base includes a host of leading public companies and private equity houses, and the practice collaborates closely with related areas, both at the BVI office and abroad, to support clients on the full scope of corporate and finance law, including the newest regulatory developments and how they impact transactions. Leadership of the team is shared between Chris Newton, an expert in M&A for US public companies; and Ruairi Bourke, whose M&A experience includes assistance to both private and public companies. Amel Wehden is a regular fixture of the firm’s teams of counsel on major transactions, and Chloe Harris advises on a broad range of corporate and banking and finance transactions.

Collaborating closely with its London office, the BVI-based investment funds department at Maples Group is characterised by a comprehensive knowledge of the licensing and regulatory law requirements for the gamut of funds operating in the jurisdiction. Market-leading asset managers and private equity houses are regular beneficiaries of the practice’s expertise in matters ranging from fund set-up to contentious winding-up proceedings. Following the November 2023 retirement of senior partner Richard May , Chris Newton leads the group at the Tortola office and focuses on downstream acquisition work and subscription line financings. Ruairi Bourke impresses clients with his ‘practical and helpful advice‘, and Amel Wehden is a younger lawyer, particularly well regarded in the establishment and maintenance of hedge funds and private equity funds.