Endorsements
The Legal 500 - 2005 Endorsements
Overview
“Prestigious Ozannes has shown commitment to its Guernsey base, a focus which has paid dividends. The firm has impressive strength-in-depth in every practice area, and fields an array of high-calibre partners. This, combined with an enviable client base of blue-chip institutions, makes the firm a formidable player.”
Commercial and Banking
“Ozannes has established commercial and banking expertise, advising the full range of financial institutions and blue-chip companies, as well as referrals. The esteemed Peter Harwood heads the three-partner practice. Major transactions in 2004 include acting as Guernsey legal adviser to Barclays Bank on a £1.3bn senior mezzanine and junior financing of the acquisition of AA Corporation Ltd and its subsidiaries. The ‘methodical’ Gavin Farrell and ‘capable’ David Moore are recommended, while Jessica Roland is building a reputation for employee-downsizing work.”
Investment Funds
“Ozannes fields highly experienced practitioners Peter Harwood, David Moore and Gavin Farrell, who advise across the range of structured products, derivatives and share issues; including in 2004 acting as Guernsey legal adviser to Hermes Investment Management Ltd on the establishment of a fund of hedge funds listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. An impressive client list includes Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.”
Insurance
“At Ozannes, trio Peter Harwood, David Moore and Chris Anderson have significant expertise in advising local captive insurers and the international insurance industry. The team continues to gather instructions from London blue-chip insurers and friendly societies. Key clients include Aon Insurance Managers, Royal Bank of Scotland, and White Rock Insurance PCC Ltd. In 2004 the firm acted as Guernsey adviser on the insurance aspects of the acquisition of Abbey National by Banco Santander.”
Commercial Litigation
“Ozannes has a formidable commercial litigation practice. The firm has acted on all of the landmark litigation cases in the past year; including advising the Jersey Fishermen’s Association on challenging Guernsey legislation imposing a local fishing licensing regime. A well-staffed team which includes high-calibre individuals such as ‘fighter’ Peter Ferbrache, ‘technically competent’ insolvency and asset-tracing expert Jeremy Wessels, ‘skilled’ Robert Shepherd, and ‘experienced’ Gordon Dawes means that the firm is capable of running more than one major case at a time. An enviable client base spans financial services companies, blue-chip companies, local businesses and City firms.”
Commercial Property
“Ozannes is a major player in the commercial property market. Colourful personality Roger Perrot oversees a busy three-partner practice, which also has contentious capacity, in particular in advising on development appeals. A broad client base includes the government and local authorities, developers and landowners, as well as high net-worth individuals and financial institutions.”
Private Client and Trusts
“Ozannes, highly experienced St John Robilliard heads the dedicated trusts department which consists of six partners and a total of eight fee-earners. The firm is frequently instructed to appear in contentious trust appeals before the Guernsey Court of Appeal and has handled several landmark cases. A diverse range of clients include accountants, trust companies, private individuals and banks, both on and off the island. David Moore is recommended for regulatory appeals and negotiations with the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.”
Extracts taken from The Legal 500 2005 edition.
PO Box 186, 1 Le Marchant Street,
St Peter Port, Guernsey, CI, GY1 4HP.
Tel: +44 (0) 1481 723466 Fax: +44 (0) 1481 714653
Email: guernsey@ozannes.com
PO Box 733, 29 Esplanade,
St Helier, Jersey JE4 0ZS
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 723466 Fax: +44 (0) 1534 723465
Email: jersey@ozannes.com