Maples Group > Tortola, British Virgin Islands > Firm Profile

Maples Group > The Legal 500 Rankings

British Virgin Islands > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

Housing a solid team of experienced banking and finance lawyers, Maples Group maintains a leading position in the BVI market, routinely handling a range of high-quality and complex finance transactions spanning general banking, equity and debt capital markets work, private equity backed deals, cross-border restructurings and asset and project finance work, especially in the aircraft and shipping areas. Focusing on North America and Europe, group head Richard May has particular knowledge of the natural resources and project and asset finance sectors, while Ruairi Bourke‘s capabilities are notably concentrated on M&A, joint ventures, and venture capital fundraisings. Finance specialist Christopher Newton is noted for his expertise in onshore and offshore restructuring transactions, including schemes of arrangement, plans of arrangement and company creditor arrangements.

British Virgin Islands > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Maples Group acts for a client roster of public companies and private equity houses on high-value matters, with work including corporate restructurings, M&A and take-private mandates. Richard May leads the 'very knowledgeable' team, which has knowledge of the pharmaceuticals, energy, technology, logistics, education, hospitality, and asset management industries. Ruairi Bourke assists with cross-border mergers and venture capital fundraisings, while Christopher Newton  is a key contact for US public company work; clients also praise his ‘practical implementation’ when navigating complex restructuring mandates. Associate Amel Wehden advises on matters in the aviation and pharmaceuticals sectors.

British Virgin Islands > Investment funds Tier 1

Fielding a team of experts in the BVI licencing and regulatory space, Maples Group is a leading choice for a deep roster of market-leading asset managers and private equity houses seeking advice on complex investment fund and licencing mandates, including fund set-up and ongoing licensing and regulatory requirements, as well as contentious winding-up proceedings. Richard May leads the practice with significant expertise in handling private investment funds and economic substance work for a range of US and UK asset managers. Christopher Newton is noted for his focus on downstream acquisition work and subscription line financings, while Ruairi Bourke is regularly instructed by international clients to handle a variety of corporate, banking and finance transactions. Associate Amel Wehden is another key name for assistance with the establishment and maintenance of hedge funds and private equity funds.

British Virgin Islands > Dispute resolution Tier 2

Maples Group excels in insolvency and restructuring proceedings and also leverages the firm's global network, particularly the Hong Kong office, to act for clients throughout Asia Pacific. Adrian Francis leads the department and is praised as 'a safe pair of hands' for trials, appeals and arbitration proceedings. Also noted is Matthew Freeman, who is a trusted adviser for clients navigating intricate shareholder disputes and insolvency and restructuring matters, and counsel Stuart Rau, who focuses on banking litigation, while recently promoted of counsel Scott Tolliss handles a broad spectrum of disputes and restructuring engagements, often appearing before the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Privy Council.