Corporate & Finance: Isle of Man

THE FIRM Appleby is noted for its "progressive and increasingly international practice," and is considered one of the leading Isle of Man firms in corporate and finance matters. In the past year the team's workload has included representing Kleinwort Benson in its acquisition of entities regulated by the Isle of Man. Clients reserve considerable praise for this firm, with one stating: "I have no hesitation going back to them. I've only found superb service." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS "You get a thoroughly considered response from Simon Cain," say satisfied clients. His recent work highlights include representing Infrastructure India in its acquisition by Guggenheim Global Infrastructure. 

Simon Harding is "an intellectually well-equipped and clever lawyer, with a great ability to look at the commercial aspects of a matter." He is praised for his fund-centred practice, while his recent work has included acting for Tritax Eurocentral EZ Unit Trust, attempting to preserve investor benefits while transferring a loan facility between lenders.

Senior associate Paul Branford is highlighted by peers, who "have a high regard for his fund work." 

Nick Verardi recently represented Kleinwort Benson in its aforementioned acquisition. Peers recommend him as someone who is "always easy to talk to, and who can identify the issues quickly."

John Melia has a broad corporate practice extending into the realm of banking, finance and M&A. He recently represented Continental Farmer's Group in its admission to AIM.

Faye Moffett has a strong reputation for her expertise in asset finance and banking matters. In the past year, she counselled RBC Capital Markets on its acquisition of V Group, the shipping services company.

John Rimmer is "well known in the private client trust world," with a practice touching on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious trust matters.  

THE FIRM This firm is noted for its broad expertise in corporate matters, and for its thoroughly developed pensions practice and finance expertise. Its lawyers are noted for their extensive experience gained over a number of years at the peak of their profession. Clients "appreciate Cains' responsiveness and the excellent quality of both the advocacy and fiduciary services." The past twelve months have seen the firm act in matters on behalf of Lamprell, Ernst & Young and Barclays.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers acknowledge that Andrew Baker is "very personable and technically able." He has recently advised Ernst & Young, as the receivers appointed over property shares.

Clients point out Richard Vanderplank's "ability to explain the most complex and intellectually challenging legal issues in a simple and clear manner." Peers assert that he is "very cerebral," with an "approach that is quite technical."

Mike Pinson has notable expertise in M&A and mutual fund work, amongst other areas.

Andrew Corlett is "always a presence that clients and the local market hold in high esteem." In the past twelve months, he has been appointed as a non-executive chairman of Barclays Private Clients International.

Tristan Head is known throughout the Isle of Man market for his exhaustive experience in handling corporate finance matters extending to M&A, IPOs and private equity. He recently led on a significant acquisition on behalf of Lamprell.  

Geoff Kermeen is divisional director of the firm's London office, and handles matters spanning the breadth of domestic and cross-border corporate work.

Senior associate Steven Quayle is highly regarded for his specialised focus on business and commercial aviation, as well as ship financing.

THE FIRM Dougherty Quinn continues to expand in the Isle of Man corporate and finance market, with peers noting that "it's a progressive, up-and-coming firm that's grown a lot in recent years." The firm's premier clients include RBS, Lloyds TSB and Canada Life. One source asserts that "the great thing is that they're always available at short notice and are very commercial in their outlook." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Dougherty is highlighted for his "enthusiasm" and "always puts in the effort to be helpful on a professional level." His recent work includes advising GVC Holdings on its acquisition of Sportingbet's business in Turkey.

Heading the firm's corporate department, Thomas Maher has recently worked on behalf of several leading banks and is acknowledged by peers as "very positive and knowledgeable." 

THE FIRM This firm is recognised for the "strength of expertise" in its corporate and finance practice, and sources highlight its notable expansion in recent times. In the past year the team has been instructed by Bank of Scotland in financial restructurings, and by London Scottish Re on claims arising from the sale of payment protection insurance policies. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alex Spencer "is an excellent communicator who is able to explain complex matters." Recently, he has advised on financial transactions surrounding the sale of two substantial aircraft on behalf of Eastern Skyjets Leasing and Matrix Aviation. Interviewees comment that "he has a commercial, pragmatic approach appreciated by us and our clients."

Irini Newby heads the firm's corporate department and is active in the areas of restructuring and M&A. She recently led a team in the sale of four international subsidiaries through a holding company on the Isle of Man. 

Peers point to the quality of Phil Games' private client work. He has also been involved in the firm's work for clients in the aforementioned aircraft transactions. 

David Spencer is described as "very impressive and helpful" by clients familiar with his corporate and commercial practice. He has recently advised London Scottish Re on potential claims, and acted for Bank of America on the financing of two superyachts. 

Amy Coole is a prominent name in trust law on the island. Clients comment that "her drafting is accurate and thorough. Amy is a reliable source of information who provides us with concise and clear advice." 

THE FIRM This firm covers the full range of corporate, commercial and financial law services, and is particularly noted for its broad expertise in property matters. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Shimmin's Isle of Man practice tends to centre on secured financing, with clients praising his sound judgement in banking matters. 

THE FIRM This firm is highlighted by peers for its activity in private client and employment matters. In particular, one interviewee suggests that "in Isle of Man terms, M&P Legal is regarded as a good, solid island firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Murphy is acknowledged by peers to be "a thorough advocate" in the firm's corporate and finance practice.

THE FIRM Maitland is recognised on the Isle of Man for its multi-jurisdictional practice and its particular expertise in trust administration and private client matters. One peer notes that "calibre-wise, it's an exceptionally good firm." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anthony Markham is a key contact who specialises in work on behalf of private clients.