Carey Olsen is the ‘standout in the market’ for transactional advice in the Guernsey market, and is particularly active on behalf of private equity clients, advising on all aspects of acquisitions and disposals. Corporate clients additionally come to the firm for assistance with restructuring programs. Leading the team are Tom Carey, a private equity specialist who also brings experience in the structuring of closed and open-ended collective investment schemes, and Tony Lane, whose practice encompasses transactions done via schemes of arrangement and IPOs. Andrew Boyce is renowned for his work on the structuring of private equity funds, in addition to his expertise in finance transactions. Arya Hashemi focuses on cross-border M&A and assists clients with the competition law aspects of such transactions.

Mourant‘s ‘commercial approach’ gives it an edge in overseeing a broad range of transactions. The team is a primary choice for a number of clients in the fiduciary and insurance sectors engaged in M&A or consolidation deals. Under the leadership of John Rochester, the practice additionally handles the property aspects of corporate transactions, and advises on reorganisation programs. Frances Watson advises on a broad range of commercial and regulatory matters, with John Lewis handling private M&A and transactions initiated by family offices. Alana Gillies Ridout complements her M&A practice with additional expertise in competition law and commercial contracts.

Ogier advises on cross-border and local M&A transactions, with further expertise in investment deals and transactions in regulated sectors such as insurance. The practice is jointly led by Bryon Rees and Tim Clipstone, both of whom oversee a broad range of transactions, including those led by private equity funds, and provide related regulatory support. Additionally co-heading is Richard Sharp, who takes the lead on insurance and reinsurance matters. Michelle Watson Bunn handles transactions for private equity clients and also advises on fund formation, while James Walsh handles a mixture of cross-border M&A and ECM transactions.

Walkers is able to oversee cross-border M&A and is often tasked with overseeing the restructuring of business operations, in addition to advising on a range of regulatory challenges. M&A and corporate structuring specialist Matt Sanders leads the team in conjunction with Craig Cordle, who focuses on the structuring of and transactions led by investment funds in addition to private and public M&A. Tax advice forms a key part of Chris Hutley-Hurst‘s practice, while Jessica Robinson occupies a niche in M&A involving trust companies. Charlotte Gonçalves joined the team from Mourant in August 2023, advising investment funds on their transactions and the relevant regulatory regimes.

Appleby effectively leverages its network to advise on a myriad of cross-border deals, acting for both private and public companies in M&A deals and also supporting reorganisations of financial institutions, including via schemes of arrangement. Stuart Tyler heads the group, operating a practice that covers acquisition and financing advice and shareholder arrangements, among others. Tristan Ozanne joined the practice in October 2024.

Bedell Cristin is able to oversee the Guernsey aspects of cross-border M&A, and frequently acts as lead counsel in domestic transactions, acting for a number of clients in highly regulated sectors such as financial services and insurance. Practice head Kate Ovenden‘s work comprises a mixture of transactional and funds matters, in addition to assisting clients with regulatory regime compliance within the financial services sector. Dylan Latimer acts for private equity clients on their acquisitions and disposals, with John Scanlan handling M&A and the establishment of fund structures. Tendai Gakanje‘s practice encompasses both M&A and financing transactions.

Following a restructuring, Collas Crill‘s corporate and M&A work is now handled by the newly formed financial services & regulatory practice, which oversees transactions in regulated sectors, including digital assets and cannabis, and is also tasked with assisting corporate migrations. The ‘incredibly knowledgable’ Wayne Atkinson leads the team, with a noted regulatory practice which dovetails with his transactions and investment structuring work. Paul Wilkes continues to advise in a consultancy role, specialising in fund formation across a range of asset classes, with Simon Heggs handling private equity investments and M&A deals.

Babbé LLP advises on the Guernsey aspects of large M&A transactions and is also sought out for advice regarding shareholder agreements and the regulatory regimes governing companies on the island. Ann Halliday acts for a roster of banking clients, assisting them with their transactional activities, including the negotiation of finance documents and drafting of LMA forms.

Acting for corporates, private equity houses, and HNWIs, Ferbrache & Farrell LLP advises clients on their day-to-day challenges and on matters relating to M&A transactions. The group is also sought after by borrowers for financing arrangements. Gavin Farrell, whose practice centres on fund and asset management, heads the practice. Helen McGeoch works on a range of transactions, including M&A and joint ventures, while Stuart Nash is noted for his practice overseeing the property aspects of corporate deals.