As one of the largest groups in the Cayman Islands, Maples Group‘s corporate team advises on a vast range of takeovers, M&A, IPOs, SPACs, joint ventures, regulatory issues and general corporate and commercial advisory matters. Practice chair Matthew Gardner has considerable experience in public and private M&A, financings, IPOs, joint ventures and restructurings, while Suzanne Correy‘s focus is on structured finance, capital markets and investment fund transactions, especially in the Latin American region. The team also houses Daniel Lee, whose focus is on public takeovers and private equity transactions; Shari Seymour and Finn O’Hegarty, who are both noted for their work on joint venture arrangements, IPOs and restructurings; and SPAC expert Michael Johns. Newly promoted partner Kerry Ann Phillips handles restructurings and reorganisations, investment fund structuring, and investments in Latin America.
Corporate and commercial in Cayman Islands
Maples Group
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Gardner
Autres avocats clés:
Suzanne Correy; Daniel Lee: Shari Seymour; Finn O’Hegarty; Michael Johns; Kerry Ann Phillips; Kieran Walsh
Les références
‘Maples team is definitively the best in its class in the Cayman Islands and in BVI. The partners (seniors and more juniors) are extremely engaged with the projects and are very aware of the projects’ developments. Maples stands out when issues arise in the project, as they react fast and efficiently.’
‘Matthew Gardner remains a composed, personable lawyer. From Matthew you get direct, relevant and timely advice and he remains contactable and personable at all times.’
‘I have been working with Maples for many years and I have been always very happy with the level of service received from the team of partner Kieran Walsh. He stands out in his attention to detail and it is a very trustworthy person to work with. His commitment to the clients’ projects is absolute.’
Principaux clients
Noble Corporation
Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp. IV
Thoma Bravo
TH International Ltd.
Arclight Clean Transition Corp. II
Jefferies Holdings I Limited
Inflection Point Acquisition Corp.
Inversiones Galilea S.A (a subsidiary of Ecomsur Holdings S.A)
O2Micro International Limited
KoBold Metals
TPG
Nordic Aviation Capital
Walkers
Walkers fields a cross-practice team of experienced practitioners, who are regularly sought out by clients for capabilities in de-SPAC and M&A transactions. Rob Jackson regularly advises on share acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements, IPOs and corporate restructurings, while global managing partner Ingrid Pierce also leads the investment funds group. Both Caroline Williams and Melissa Lim are noted for their expertise in M&A and joint ventures, with Lim also focusing on fintech transactions including blockchain projects and digital assets. Hugh Anderson specialises in M&A and IPOs, an area in which Justin Hart is also active. Andrew Barker regularly advises leading investment managers and private equity sponsors on fund structuring issues, joint ventures, acquisitions and disposals. Commercial transaction expert Jason Allison is also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rob Jackson; David Collins; Ingrid Pierce; Caroline Williams; Melissa Lim; James Burch
Autres avocats clés:
Andrew Barker; Hugh Anderson; Jason Allison; Justin Hart
Les références
‘Very responsive; excellent ability to handle multiple jurisdictions seamlessly.’
‘The Walkers team is fantastic to work with. They’re knowledgeable, have great market visibility and are very commercial and practical.’
‘Andrew Barker is a pleasure to work with.’
Principaux clients
Apollo Global Management
Athletic Greens International Inc.
Azorra Aviation Holdings LLC
BlackRock
Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC
BroadPeak Global
Cerberus
CVC Capital Partners
Enfoca SAFI
EPIC Private Equity LLP
First Reserve Corporation
Hellman & Friedman
IHS Holding Limited
Moonlake Immunotherapeutics AG
Oakhill Advisors
Oaktree Capital Management
Platinum Equity Advisors LLC
ProKidney LLC
The Blackstone Group
The Carlyle Group
Principaux dossiers
- Advised COVA Acquisition Corp, a company listed on Nasdaq, on its merger with mobility tech company ECARX Holdings Inc.
- Acted as Cayman counsel to Oaktree Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company, on its $2.25bn business combination with Alvotech Holdings.
- Advised Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, LLC, an independent provider of aerial firefighting services in the US, on the Cayman law aspects of its business combination with the Jack Creek Investment Corp., a Cayman special purpose acquisition company.
Mourant
Recognised as ‘very strong in corporate and regulatory capabilities and a known leader on the island’, Mourant regularly advises on a wide range of transactions, including M&A, equity capital markets, and SPACs. Managing partner of the Cayman office Hayden Isbister is known for his in-depth corporate and commercial expertise, and for regularly advising on joint venture arrangements and SPACs, while Neal Lomax‘s wide-ranging corporate and commercial expertise makes him ‘one of the strongest investment fund and M&A lawyers in the Caribbean’. Ramesh Maharaj focuses on corporate transactions including takeovers, take-privates, M&A , joint ventures, SPACs and IPOs, while Catherine Pham leads the Cayman finance, corporate and funds practice.
Responsables de la pratique:
Catherine Pham
Autres avocats clés:
Hayden Isbister; Neal Lomax; Ramesh Maharaj
Les références
‘They are go-to firm in Cayman. Helpful, responsive and highly sophisticated. Very strong in corporate and regulatory capabilities and a known leader on the island.’
‘Neal Lomax is undoubtedly one of the strongest investment fund and M&A lawyers in the Caribbean. He is a trusted adviser to some of the biggest players in the region.’
‘They take time to understand your business (its like working with an extension of your internal team) and what you are trying to achieve.’
Principaux clients
Ares Special Committee
SuperBac Biotechnology Solutions S.A
Optiver Group
Semantix Tecnologia em Sistema de Informação S.A.
Global Forest Partners LP
L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp
Principaux dossiers
- Represented the Special Committee in connection with business combination between X Energy Reactor Co and Ares Acquisition Corp, resulting in a publicly traded company valued at $2bn.
- Advised Optiver Group on its intended acquisition of Traxys SARL.
- Represented Semantix on its business combination with Alpha Capital Acquisition Company worth $693m which valued Semantix at $1bn.
Ogier
Ogier‘s corporate and commercial practice is well known for routinely advising banks, financial institutions, corporates and high-net-worth individuals on M&A and SPAC transactions, IPOs and joint ventures. Team head Bradley Kruger specialises in private equity acquisitions and disposals, while Angus Davison advises key banking clients and investment funds on the full gamut of corporate and finance work, including SPAC IPOs, de-SPAC transactions, M&A and securitisations. As a part of the firm's Latin American team, James Heinicke routinely acts for clients located in the region focusing on corporate restructurings and recovery work, while Cynthia Anandajayasekeram‘s extensive experience ranges from advising on public and private M&A transactions, private equity work and joint ventures, to equity capital markets issues, corporate advisory work and restructuring matters. Corporate and investment funds expert Giorgio Subiotto is also recommended for Latin America-focused work.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bradley Kruger
Autres avocats clés:
Angus Davison; James Henicke; Cynthia Anandajayasekeram; Giorgio Subiotto
Les références
‘Ogier has a strong presence in the Cayman Islands, which provides them with in-depth knowledge and expertise in offshore financial services, including funds, corporate services, and international finance. It also has an extensive international network. This global reach allows them to serve clients with cross-border legal needs effectively. And, they prioritize building long-term client relationships and providing responsive, practical legal advice.’
‘Ogier’s team members have a global outlook, which is crucial in today’s interconnected business world. They bring an understanding of international markets and regulations to their practice, facilitating cross-border transactions and investments.’
‘Ogier’s team is highly responsive and accessible to clients. They understand the importance of timely communication and updates, which is especially critical in time-sensitive legal matters.’
Principaux clients
Golden Path Acquisition Corporation
Venus Acquisition Corporation
ETAO International Group
Zura Bio Limited
Energem Corp.
ClimateRock
The Growth for Good Acquisition Corporation (G4G)
Integrated Wellness Acquisition Corp (Integrated Wellness)
ICONIQ Holdings Limited
Pismo Holdings
Three Arrows Capital Ltd
Technology & Telecommunication Acquisition Corporation (T&T)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised special purpose acquisition company Golden Path Acquisition Corporation on its $450m business combination with MC Hologram Inc, a Cayman-based company which focuses on the research and development of holographic technology.
- Acted as Cayman counsel on the merger between Venus Acquisition Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed special purpose acquisition company incorporated in Cayman, and VIYI Algorithm Inc. in a deal valued at around $400m.
- Acted as Cayman counsel to Zura Bio Limited, a multi-asset clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel medicines for immune and inflammatory disorders, on its $215m merger with a special purpose acquisition company, JATT Acquisition Corp.
Appleby
Spearheaded by corporate finance and PE specialist Simon Raftopoulos, Appleby‘s team routinely advises a deep roster of blue-chip underwriters, banks and other financial institutions on SPACs, CLOs, M&A, corporate finance mandates and restructurings. The team includes corporate finance and regulatory expert Jacob MacAdam, and group head of both the banking and asset finance, and transport and logistics teams Caroline Barton, who regularly advises on capital markets, corporate, aircraft and shipping matters. Global co-head of the SPACs group Dean Bennett and head of the structured finance practice Benjamin Woolf are also noted for their expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Raftopoulos
Autres avocats clés:
Jacob MacAdam; Caroline Barton; Benjamin Woolf; Dean Bennett
Les références
‘Quality is competitive but the people are what swings it.’
‘Jacob MacAdam – He’s just who you want by your side. Solid and dependable, straightforward to deal with and a good sense of humour.’
Principaux clients
Wejo Group Limited
Lifezone Metals
Black Spade Acquisition Co
CHC Group LLC
LumiraDX Limited
BPEA EQT
Mubadala
Pegasus Digital Mobility Acquisition Corp.
SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
Foster Group Holdings Limited
Illumina, Inc.
MaxLinear Inc.
Höegh LNG Ltd
BlueOrchard Impact Investment Managers
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as BVI and Cayman legal counsel to BPEA (formerly The Baring Private Equity Asia) in connection with the acquisition of the Tricor Group.
- Acted as Cayman counsel to SMBC Aviation Capital Limited in relation to its acquisition of certain business, assets and subsidiaries of Goshawk Aviation Limited, which involves various Cayman exempted companies and orphan entities as issuers of equity certificates.
- Acted as Cayman counsel to Black Spade Acquisition Co, a special purpose acquisition company, on its announced de-SPAC business combination with VinFast Auto Pte. Ltd.
Campbells
Campbells’ corporate and commercial practice provides comprehensive advice on complex, cross-border transactions. Practice head Alan Craig is well-known for his expertise in cross-border corporate finance and M&A transactions, while Richard Spencer‘s focus is on joint ventures, equity capital markets work and corporate finance issues; newly promoted partner Kristy-Anne Leith is also particularly active in the latter, and she also handles fintech transactions, including blockchain projects. With longstanding experience in advising clients on cross-border transactions, senior associate Kate Hewitson is also highly recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alan Craig
Autres avocats clés:
Richard Spencer; Kate Hewitson; Kristy-Anne Leith
Principaux clients
Nubank
Avianca
Xapo
NextEra Energy
Creditas
McN Investments
JHD Technologies
Klym Management Company
Investors Trust Assurance SPC
Principaux dossiers
- Advised on the structuring, implementation and ongoing regulatory compliance of various Cayman entities to support CoinList’s growing international operations, and proposed activities.
- Advised on the structuring, implementation and regulatory compliance of a corporate group structure to house Circle’s corporate ventures program to participate in venture financing rounds and other investments.
Carey Olsen
Carey Olsen‘s Cayman corporate practice provides comprehensive advice on complex private and public M&A transactions, as well as general commercial and corporate matters. Nick Bullmore is particularly active in structured finance work (including CLOs) and joint ventures, while Jarrod Farley focuses on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters and regulatory issues, particularly investment fund-related work. Richard Munden‘s expertise spans joint ventures, shareholder arrangements, and aviation and other asset financings. Alistair Russell advises on all aspects of commercial and corporate law, while counsel Dylan Wiltermuth‘s focus is on corporate restructurings, especially involving structured finance, private equity and financial services elements.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nick Bullmore; Jarrod Farley; Richard Munden; Alistair Russell
Autres avocats clés:
Dylan Wiltermuth
Principaux clients
Alcazar Energy Partners (now CTGI Renewable Energy Partners)
Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos S.A.
Arco Platform Limited
BC Partners
Biolog-id
Clara Holdings Limited
Geopagos Holdings, Ltd.
Government Investment Corporation of Singapore (GIC)
Kanastra Holdings
Mattilda Holdings
Nuvini Holdings Limited / Nvni Group Limited
Starwood Capital
Tractian Ltd
Transocean
Visa
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Ambipar Participações e Empreendimentos S.A. on drafting the business combination agreement, merger formalities, and associated securities filings for the merger for a $581m cross-border de-SPAC transaction.
- Advised Biolog-id on drafting the business combination agreement, merger formalities, and associated securities filings for the merger and subsequent ADS issuance.
- Advised Transocean on multiple transactions related to senior secured notes offerings and joint ventures.
Conyers
Led by offshore transactional expert Matthew Stocker, Conyers‘ corporate practice fields a well-established team which is well-equipped to advise on complex transactions including SPACs, M&A and corporate restructurings. Active in the Latin American market, Nicholas Pattman regularly advises financial institutions and corporate clients on a varied spectrum of corporate and finance transactions, while Cora Miller‘s practice spans corporate reorganisations, M&A and joint ventures; Miller also advises a range of clients on cross-border transactions. Alex Davies is a ‘pragmatic’ and ‘detail-oriented’ expert in public and private corporate transactions, and also advises on IPOs and SPACs. Counsel Matthew Harkness is a key contact for start-ups, managers, sponsors and financial institutions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Stocker
Autres avocats clés:
Nicholas Pattman; Cora Miller; Alex Davies; Matthew Harkness
Les références
‘The breadth of the Conyers team’s experience and coverage for an offshore firm is quite impressive!’
‘Matthew Stocker is always pleasant and works hard to meet timing expectations.’
‘Cora Miller is a consummate professional.’
Principaux clients
Freightos Limited
Golden Wheel Tiandi Holdings Company Limited
Enerflex
Dexin
Targus
Genesis Growth Tech Acquisition Corp.
Obagi Holding Company Limited
Collas Crill
Collas Crill provides corporate, regulatory and commercial advice to a range of clients spanning sovereign wealth funds, local businesses and multinational corporate groups. Practice head Natalie Bell routinely advises on all aspects of Cayman corporate and commercial law including M&A, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations, while associate Chantelle Day, who joined in early 2023, focuses on various corporate matters, including SPACs, and fintech mandates, as well as handling CIMA enforcement matters for corporate service providers. Alan de Saram retired.
Responsables de la pratique:
Natalie Bell
Autres avocats clés:
Chantelle Day
Les références
‘Excellent team with fast response times and extremely commercial practice. Understands the clients needs and will work within client’s resources.’
‘Natalie Bell is extremely professional and has excellent response times. She is extremely commercial in her approach to the client’s requirements and needs.’
Principaux clients
Tripledot
Switch Technology Holdings
Corporate Electric Services Ltd.
T2TKN
Kalo Caribbean
Tristar Acquisition I Corp
Green Economy Development Limited
Principaux dossiers
- Acted as Cayman counsel to UK games studio Tripledot.
- Advised Switch Technology Holdings (to be rebranded as the LVL group) on its series A financing and corporate reorganisation.
- Acted as offshore counsel to the selling shareholders of Kalo Caribbean during its acquisition by Interpath Advisory.
Harneys
Jointly led by fund specialist Christopher Hall and Matt Taber, who is known for his expertise in M&A transactions and fund and subscription finance work, Harneys handles a variety of big-ticket transactions including public and private M&A, SPACs and joint ventures. Daniella Skotnicki is regularly sought out by leading financial institutions, investment managers and fintech companies for her experience in M&A, joint ventures, CSX listings and corporate reorganisations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Christopher Hall
Autres avocats clés:
Matt Taber; Daniella Skotnicki
Principaux clients
Avanseus Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Aura FAT Projects Acquisition Corp.
Pono Capital
XP Inc.
Interpath Advisory
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Avanseus Holdings Pte. Ltd. on its merger with Fat Projects Acquisition in a $136m deal.
- Advised AURA FAT Projects Acquisition Corp. on raising $115m in its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Stuarts Humphries
Stuarts Humphries provides comprehensive advice to financial institutions, investment managers and US, European and South American banks on cross-border M&A, SPACs and restructurings. As head of the corporate practice, Megan Wright is sought out by a varied client roster for corporate, commercial, find, finance and fintech advice. Chris Humphries is a key player in corporate and commercial transactions, where he regularly acts for investment managers, promoters and international investors, while Jonathan McLean is noted for his expertise in cryptocurrency funds and digital asset structures.
Responsables de la pratique:
Megan Wright
Autres avocats clés:
Chris Humphries; Jonathan McLean
Les références
‘Stuarts has wonderful, professional personnel with a variety of expertise.’
‘The individuals at Stuarts are prompt in their responses and available for consult along with punctual for good time management. They are very succinct in moving processes along to a conclusion.’
‘Bespoke advice provided on short notice and consistently prompt responses to complex queries whenever required. Commercially aware advisers with a finger on the pulse of industry and regulatory trends.’
Principaux clients
Fantom
Valens Pay Global
Propyverse
Bullion FX
Banco Sofisa
Citibank
Petrobras
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Fantom, a leading global blockchain provider, on various corporate transactions and regulatory obligations within the DeFi and crypto space.
- Advised Valens Pay Global Limited as lead counsel on its IPO, corporate governance and various other corporate transactions in the fintech space.
- Advised Sculptor Capital, a multibillion-dollar global asset company, on various corporate transactions for its entities, cross-border advice and regulatory obligations.