Maples Group

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to have advised a subsidiary of global investment and technology group, Prosus N.V. ("Prosus"), on its US$1.7 billion acquisition of Despegar.com, Corp ("Despegar"), Latin America's leading online travel agency. The transaction was completed on 15 May 2025. Following the take-private, Despegar, which was originally listed on the New York Stock Exchange, was delisted through a BVI statutory merger and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Prosus. Ruairi Bourke, co-head of the BVI Corporate, Finance and Funds & Investment Management teams, and associate Elliot Ruffle provided BVI counsel to Prosus on the acquisition. They worked along Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, US Counsel to Prosus "We are pleased to have advised Prosus on this strategic acquisition and we look forward to seeing the future advancements that result from this collaboration," Ruairi commented. "This transaction serves as a testament to our team's understanding of the Latin America market and unparalleled expertise in high-value M&A deals in the jurisdiction. Our experience in these deals allowed us to assist our client in navigating the complexities of this transaction with precision and confidence."  

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to have advised Altavair L.P ("Altavair"), a leading global aviation asset management firm, on the Cayman Islands and Irish law aspects of its debut US$582.88 million aircraft lease ABS issuance ("ALTDE 2025-1"). The transaction closed on 4 March 2025. The transaction involved the issuance of Class A and B Notes (the "Notes"), the proceeds of which will be used to finance a diversified portfolio of 24 commercial aircraft. The portfolio consists of 21 narrowbody aircraft and three widebody aircraft, on lease to 11 lessees located in 11 jurisdictions and has an initial value of approximately US$787.9 million. The Notes are listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange, with the Maples Group acting as the listing agent. The multi-jurisdictional team of asset finance lawyers included Jonathon Meloy, Cayman Islands Head of Finance and Co-Head of Asset Finance; Anthony Philp, Partner; and Sorcha O'Keefe, Associate, from the firm's Cayman Islands office. From the firm's Irish office, the team included Mary O'Neill, Partner; Alex Walsh, Of Counsel; and Gerard Grogan, Associate. "It has been extremely rewarding to work with our valued client Altavair on their debut ABS issuance in furtherance of their strategic growth objectives", commented Mary O'Neill.  "Our global Asset Finance team continues to lead in delivering exceptional legal services to our clients for complex cross-border asset finance transactions." ENDS About The Maples Group The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg.  With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. For more information, please visit: maples.com/services/legal-services.   Contact Rachel Yates Senior Marketing Communication Executive, Caribbean +1 345 814 5197 [email protected]

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to have advised Singapore-based clinical services provider Basel Medical Group Ltd ("Basel") on its NASDAQ initial public offering ("IPO") valued at US$8.8 million. Shortly after closing, the over-allotment option was exercised in full raising an additional US$1.32 million.  The firm's BVI office managing partner Chris Newton along with Corporate Associates Chloe Harris and Elliot Ruffle provided BVI Corporate advice to Basel. The multi-jurisdictional transaction spanned across Singapore, New York and the BVI and is the first Singapore-based med-tech IPO on the NASDAQ for 2025. The net proceeds of the IPO and over-allotment will be used for Basel's future business expansions in Singapore and Southeast Asia as well as daily operations and working capital. "We are proud to have provided Basel with the BVI counsel necessary to help them achieve this significant milestone and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the IPO has on their business expansions and operations." Commented Chris Newton. "This transaction underscores the strength and expertise of our team to provide strong BVI counsel to our clients looking to access the US public markets." Basel Medical Group Ltd is a Singapore-based clinical provider of general and subspecialised orthopaedic and trauma services, sports medicine and surgery, orthopaedic procedures, as well as neurosurgical treatments across Singapore and Southeast Asia.   ENDS About the Maples Group The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg.  With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. For more information, please visit: maples.com/services/legal-services.

Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL, the Maples Group’s law firm in Luxembourg, is pleased to announce the promotion of Donnchadh McCarthy to Partner in its Funds & Investment Management practice. Donnchadh, a distinguished funds lawyer, has been an integral part of the Funds & Investment Management practice since joining the firm in 2020. He advises clients on the structuring and setting up of both regulated and unregulated investment vehicles, with a particular focus on UCITS and AIFs. With extensive experience in the funds sector, Donnchadh has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, dedication, and a client-focused approach. The Maples Group's Global Funds & Investment practice is distinguished by its extensive expertise and global reach, with over 130 funds lawyers worldwide. This global network enables its Luxembourg law firm to provide unparalleled legal services and insights from multiple jurisdictions. Donnchadh’s promotion to Partner is a testament to the strength and depth of the Maples Group's global Funds & Investment Management practice. Commenting on the Donnchadh’s promotion, Luxembourg Managing Partner, Johan Terblanche said, “It is with great pleasure that I announce Donnchadh’s promotion to Partner. Donnchadh's promotion is a reflection of his exceptional contributions to our firm and the high level of service he provides to our clients. Our Luxembourg practice continues to thrive, and Donnchadh's promotion further exemplifies our dedication to investing in both our team and our law firm in Luxembourg”. The Maples Group’s Luxembourg office has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, establishing itself as a key player in the financial and legal sectors. This expansion is highlighted by strategic hires and the development of a robust team of lawyers and professionals dedicated to providing top-tier services. A notable addition to the Luxembourg office was the recent addition of Yann Hilpert as a Partner and co-head of its Finance practice[1], further demonstrating its commitment to growing its presence in the region. Beyond its renowned Funds & Investment Management practice, the Maples Group's Luxembourg office is highly recognised for its expertise in corporate, finance, tax, and associated regulatory matters. The firm has built a strong reputation in the market for delivering comprehensive legal solutions that address the complex needs of its domestic and international clients. In addition to several successful fund launches and closings, some recent transactions include advising ICG on the Luxembourg legal aspects of an innovative new capital call facility provided by HSBC Bank PLC[2]. Additionally, the firm provided counsel to Bain Capital on the acquisition of an 80% stake in AQ Compute, the data centre business of Aquila Group[3]. Furthermore, the Luxembourg Corporate team advised Creditsafe Group on the acquisition of the business information unit and its total assets, including operational activities, customers and data, of Editus Luxembourg S.A[4] Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL provides full service legal advice on Luxembourg law with regard to Corporate, Finance, Funds & Investment Management and Tax matters, with a deep bench of highly experienced lawyers on the ground. The Maples Group also provides fund and fiduciary services from Luxembourg and the breadth of its combined international capabilities along with its ability to advise on multi-jurisdictional transactions continues to set the law firm apart from its local counterparts. Globally, 16 new Partners and Of Counsel were appointed in six of the Maples Group’s locations worldwide, with strong representation across its European offices. The Group now employs nearly 3000 lawyers and professionals across 15 international offices.

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of two of its lawyers to Of Counsel in its Hong Kong office.The two new Of Counsel have been appointed to the firm's Asia Dispute Resolution & Insolvency and Funds & Investment Management practices, demonstrating their broad range of skills and contributions to the firm. The new Of Counsel are Jean Bao (Dispute Resolution & Insolvency) and Aidan O'Regan (Funds & Investment Management). In their new leadership roles, Jean and Aidan will work closely with John Trehey, Head of the Asia Dispute Resolution team, and Ann Ng, Head of the Asia Funds & Investment Management team, to help drive strategic initiatives and continue to provide exceptional client service across the region. Commenting on the promotions, Asia Regional Managing Partner, Michael Gagie said, "We are pleased to announce the promotion of Jean and Aidan to Of Counsel. They have demonstrated strong commitment and excellence in their respective practices and to the wider firm. Their promotion is reflective of their hard work and legal acumen given to their clients and colleagues. We are confident that they will continue to provide outstanding service and leadership in their new roles." Ann Ng and John Trehey echoed similar sentiments. Ann added, "Aidan's expertise and dedication have been invaluable. On behalf of the Asia Funds & Investment Management team, I congratulate Aidan on his new role where he will continue to excel and contribute significantly to our clients and the practice." "Jean's promotion is a testament to her skills and commitment to our clients and practice. The Asia Dispute Resolution & Insolvency practice congratulates Jean and looks forward to working closely with her in this new leadership role as she helps drive the practice forward," remarked John. Over the past three decades, the firm continues to support and advise on some of the most significant matters in the region, receiving top-tier awards and accolades in the Asia Legal Directories[1] as a result. Recent highlights include: Advising SciClone on HK$8.79 Billion Hong Kong Privatisation[2] Advised Global Funds Trust Company, a member of the Nomura Group, on the launch of Nomura Fund Select – Goldman Sachs Private Credit Strategies Fund[3] Maples Group's Asia and Irish Funds Practices Advise on Publicly Offered Fund in Japan[4] Footnotes [1]https://maples.com/news/maples-group-achieves-tier-one-ranking-in-the-legal-500-greater-china-legal-2025-guide and https://maples.com/news/maples-group-excels-in-legal-500-singapore-guide-2025 [2] https://maples.com/news/maples-group-cross-border-team-advises-sciclone-on-hk8-79-billion-hong-kong-privatisation [3] https://maples.com/news/maples-group-advises-nomura-on-launch-of-nomura-fund-select-goldman-sachs-private-credit-strategies-fund [4] https://maples.com/news/maples-groups-asia-and-irish-funds-practices-advise-on-publicly-offered-fund-in-japan

Maples and Calder (Ireland) LLP, the Maples Group’s law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Gardiner who joins the firm as a Partner in its Irish Asset Finance practice. With 15 years’ experience, Stephen is a highly regarded advisor in the aviation leasing and finance sector in Ireland. Stephen’s practice spans corporate structuring and the establishment of aviation-related corporate platforms in Ireland, to advising on aircraft financing, trading, and leasing transactions and on aviation regulatory matters in Ireland. His experience extends to providing Irish legal advice to airlines, lessors, aircraft financiers, owner trustees and corporate service providers located worldwide on transactions involving Ireland. A licenced private pilot with a hugely technical knowledge of aircraft, Stephen will work closely with the Dublin Finance practice led by Stephen McLoughlin and in conjunction with Mary O’Neill to further develop the firm’s Irish Asset Finance practice as well as the Group's wider global Asset Finance team. He will also collaborate with the firm’s other core practice groups which include Funds & Investment Management; Data, Commercial & Technology; Corporate, Dispute Resolution & Insolvency; Tax, Property; Employment; Global Registration Services and Financial Services Regulatory. Over the past year, the Group's Irish and global Asset Finance practice has advised on several noteworthy and award-winning deals, including: SKY Leasing’s US$1.2 billion Fund VI Warehouse financing deal. Griffin Global Asset Management’s US$1 billion bond issuance. Two new financing facilities for Windward Air Capital and its JV partner Bain Capital. BBAM’s Horizon 2024-1 aircraft securitisation transaction. volofin Capital Management’s Inaugural US$538 million Aviation Loan ABS[1] Avolon’s acquisition of Castlelake Aviation[2] SKY Leasing’s US$569.540 million secured notes offering[3] The Group's global Asset Finance team which comprises lawyers and industry professionals strategically based in key jurisdictions and locations including Dublin, London, Singapore, Luxembourg, Dubai, Hong Kong, Delaware, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Peter Stapleton, Ireland Managing Partner, said, "Stephen’s aviation expertise is well-recognised in the sector both in Ireland and internationally and we are delighted to welcome him to our Finance practice in Ireland. He joins our Asset Finance Team at a time of growth including recent internal promotions, recognition and accolades for our team members and awards for client deals." He added, “The Maples Group is unique compared to domestic law firms by combining the services offered by a leading international law firm with a full-scale financial services business. This integrated service model offers our clients a wider range of expertise and with additional resources and our latest innovations in technology, we expect to advise on an even greater number of significant deals in the aviation sector in 2025.” Tina Meigh, Global Head of Finance, stated, "To meet growing client demand for asset finance, banking and structured finance advice, we continue to expand our European Finance practice with key hires in the region. In addition to Stephen’s arrival, we recently welcomed Yann Hilpert to our Luxembourg Finance practice. We are confident that Stephen’s considerable experience will complement our Irish and global finance team in meeting client needs.” Stephen Gardiner added, "Joining an international firm with a presence and on-the-ground experience in multiple jurisdictions made the Maples Group very attractive to me. The Group’s extensive international offering and reputation for excellence were key factors in my decision to join. I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues in Ireland and across our global network to deliver exceptional service to our clients.” Over the last 12 months, the Dublin firm has appointed a number of senior lawyers at Partner, Of Counsel and Associate level, including to its growing Finance team. These appointments follow a period of exceptional growth at the firm and are in direct response to increasing demands for Irish legal services from new and existing international clients. In January, the Maples Group announced a pioneering technology partnership with leading software platform Aerlytix, which will transform aviation ABS management. Harnessing technology, data and advanced modelling, this aviation ABS platform will drive enhanced transparency, efficiency, and tighter controls for clients. From its offices in Dublin, the Maples Group provides a complete, end-to-end suite of fiduciary, legal, management and entity services to the aviation finance industry, as well as tax advisory, regulatory and compliance services. With over 500 colleagues in Dublin, the Maples Group is a leading legal and corporate services provider in Ireland, working with eight of the top ten global aircraft lessors. Footnotes [1] Aviator.aero: volofin Capital Management Closes Inaugural $538MM Aviation Loan ABS – 12 December 2024 2 AviTrader.com: Avolon completes acquisition of Castlelake Aviation – 17 January 2025 3 Airline Economics: SKY Leasing closes of $569.5 million secured notes offering – 30 September 2024

Maples and Calder, the Maples Group's law firm, is pleased to announce that its British Virgin Islands ("BVI") and Cayman Islands practices have received high rankings in The Legal 500 2025 Caribbean Guide. The firm earned eight Tier 1 placements, with clients endorsing the practices as having '"a global presence and as a result have the ability to address multi-jurisdictional matters that we have encountered/partnered with them on." The firm's Cayman Islands Regulatory & Compliance practice retained its Tier 1 status, earning praise for its experienced lawyers and exceptional offering, "We enjoy working with them because they are very accessible, responsible and provide creative solutions" with clients describing the team as having "strong industry connections and experience not only in regulatory issues but also in investment funds so have practical knowledge about fund operations." Maintaining its Tier 1 status, the firm's Cayman Islands Corporate & Commercial practice was described as "being equipped to advise on the full spectrum of advisory and transactional matters" and "routinely engaged in some of the market's most significant and high-valued deals'". Clients praised the team for consistently providing "high-quality service" and that "it becomes very clear that Maples is a top-tier firm, with top-tier professionals". The Cayman Islands Dispute Resolution & Insolvency practice, retaining its Tier 1 status, was described as "pre-eminent in Cayman" with its lawyers labelled "absolute stand out experts in their field" and that the practice is "at the forefront of developments in insolvency and restructuring, involved in the largest cases." Similarly, the Cayman Islands Funds & Investment management team was praised by clients for being an "absolute pleasure to deal with on CIMA issues, fund formation issues, and regulatory issues in the funds space" with the practitioners who are "very competent and responsive". The practice was also noted as being a "very strong private funds practice and clearly the leading practice in the Cayman Islands". The Cayman Islands Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice was described as "a stellar choice across the spectrum of work in banking, finance and capital markets" with a team who "responds fast and offers various services for the Cayman companies". The firm's BVI Banking, Finance and Capital Markets, Corporate and Commercial and Investment Funds practices maintained their Tier 1 statuses. The BVI Banking, Finance and Capital Markets practice was described as 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". While the BVI Corporate and Commercial team was commended as being "a top choice for corporate advisory issues, M&A, private equity matters, and restructurings." Meanwhile, the BVI Investment Funds practice was lauded for its "comprehensive knowledge of the licensing and regulatory law requirements for the gamut of funds operating in the jurisdiction." The BVI Dispute Resolution & Insolvency practice was also ranked. The practice was praised by clients for being "very approachable" and providing "pragmatic, easy to understand advice", being the "go-to firm" for any matters that require legal services involving BVI law. Clients also noted that they are "always aware of the latest advances in the market and industry, and provide great advice." In addition to the practice rankings, there were several lawyers who received recognition this year, with 57 lawyers ranked across the various categories. In the Guide, 27 Partners received the 'Leading Individual' accolade, and 12 Partners were recognised in the 'Next Generation Partner' category. Malachi Sweetman, Matthew St-Amour, Jeremy Bomford and Stuart Rau entered the 'Next Generation Partners' category this year. Furthermore, the firm secured 5 'New Individual Rankings,' with 4 lawyers achieving 'Improved Individual Rankings'. Commenting on the rankings, Global Managing Partner Jonathan Green said, "We are delighted to once again be so highly recognised by Legal 500. We are extremely grateful to our clients and industry colleagues for their trust and kind endorsements. I extend my congratulations to our Cayman Islands and BVI practices and lawyers on this well-deserved recognition, reflecting their unwavering commitment to delivering the best legal advice and highest levels of service to our clients.' For over 30 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme that is revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. Its research is based on submissions from law firms, interviews with leading private practice lawyers and feedback from over 300,000 clients worldwide. An extract of some of the testimonials received can be found below. "The Maples team are very approachable and provide pragmatic, easy to understand advice. They are always aware of the latest advances in the market and industry and provide great advice." "Good team. With younger, energetic partners. Well-resourced." "Maples' team responds fast and offers various services for the Cayman companies." "The team is knowledgeable and thoroughly reviews documents." "Maples & Calder Cayman has a great Corporate and Commercial practice. We have been working together for more than 15 years, and the results are exceptional. The overall availability of the partners and associates is fantastic." "When compared to other law firms in Cayman, it becomes very clear that Maples is a top-tier firm, with top-tier professionals." "They have a global presence and as a result have the ability to address multi-jurisdictional matters that we have encountered/partnered with them on." "Maples BVI is our go-to firm whenever we have any matters which require legal services involving BVI law. Having worked with Maples for about a decade on two highly contentious matters, I am happy to say that they have been consistently reliable and efficient in responding to whatever queries and legal issues put to them with intelligent, sound and practical advice and solutions for our mutual clients. Their fees are reasonable given the quality of their work and prompt response. We are very comfortable working with Maples as we know they will render advice that best protect and advance our clients' interests". "Flexibility, practical solution, good knowledge and experience." About The Maples Group The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, advises global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg. With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation and trusts. Maintaining relationships with leading legal counsel, the Group leverages this local expertise to deliver an integrated service offering for global business initiatives. For more information, please visit: maples.com/services/legal-services. Contact Rachel Yates Senior Communications Executive, Caribbean +1 345 814 5197 [email protected]

Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL, the Maples Group's law firm in Luxembourg, is pleased to announce that its Luxembourg Finance team has successfully advised ICG on the Luxembourg legal aspects of a new capital call facility provided by HSBC Bank PLC. This facility will refinance an existing facility from HINV and will be structured as a securitisation for EU/UK Securitisation Regulation purposes, with HSBC holding the senior tranche and ICG the junior tranche. This was the first capital call facility structured as such for ICG. The new capital call facility represents a sophisticated fund finance instrument, reflecting a growing trend in the market towards embracing securitisation as a viable financing option, whereby the securitised assets are the fund’s exposure to its investors’ capital calls, satisfactorily addressing regulatory constraints bearing on institutional lenders. The Group’s multi-disciplinary team provided Luxembourg counsel to ICG on legal matters regarding all aspects of this significant capital call facility refinancing. The team was led by co-head of the Luxembourg Finance team, Arnaud Arrecgros, with assistance from Associates Arina Belikova and Maurice Honnen. Arnaud said, "We are delighted to have advised ICG on this transaction. Structured as a capital call facility, this deal highlights a trend we have been observing for several years and is an exciting realisation of an innovative approach that was anticipated by the fund finance community for the past couple of years. Our extensive experience in advising both lenders and borrowers on numerous similar transactions underscores our solid expertise in this evolving market. We take great pride in our Luxembourg team's ability to leverage on this occasion their deep knowledge in both fields of practice, fund finance and structured finance, consistently delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients." Latham & Watkins provided US and UK legal counsel to ICG. Clifford Chance London, Luxembourg and New York provided US, UK and Luxembourg advice to HSBC. Maples and Calder (Luxembourg) SARL provides full service legal advice on Luxembourg matters and has dedicated practices in Corporate, Finance, Funds & Investment Management and Tax, with a deep bench of highly experienced lawyers on the ground. The Maples Group also provides fund and fiduciary services from Luxembourg and the breadth of its combined international capabilities along with its ability to advise on multi-jurisdictional transactions continues to set the law firm apart from its local counterparts.

The Maples Group is proud to announce that one of its Partners, Nick Holland, has been named among eprivateclient's 50 Most Influential 2025. The list recognises the leading practitioners in the private client industry and shows the breadth and depth of talent at the forefront of the private client professions today. Notably, Nick was the only Caribbean-based lawyer to be included in the list. Nick, global head of the Trusts & Private Client team and based in the Group's Cayman Islands office, has a well-established practice, with clients in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. He has extensive experience advising institutional trustees, private clients and other market advisers on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. A highly experienced lawyer, Nick has worked in the UK, Cayman Islands and Canada. In addition to his practice, Nick is a member of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law (TIAETL) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). He has taught at the University of Western Ontario and University College of the Cayman Islands. Commenting on the accolade, Nick said, "It is a privilege to be included in this prestigious list and to be ranked among other influential leaders in the private client field. I wish to extend my gratitude to eprivateclient for this recognition and to congratulate my fellow recipients on their own ranking." The Group's international Trusts & Private Client team advises on the laws of the BVI and the Cayman Islands, working with some of the world’s largest private businesses, individual private clients, institutional trustees and other fiduciary service providers on matters concerning all types of private wealth trusts, commercial trusts, estate planning structures, trusts and fiduciary arrangements and trust litigation.