General Business Law
Europe Guide 2024 : Malta
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(+356) 21 23 54 06About
Provided by Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates has been the trusted advisor to major international banking groups and other financial institutions on all matters of Maltese law for over half a century. Our banking and finance, investment services and funds, capital markets and insurance and pensions teams continue to be at the cutting edge of Maltese legal and regulatory developments. The firm leveraged its long-standing experience in banking law and regulatory matters to target the burgeoning e-money and payment services sectors.
We act for a large number of corporate clients and regularly advise on various corporate and commercial law matters – from company restructuring, legal due diligence, cross-border mergers, joint ventures, public service contracts and partnerships, to company dissolution and liquidation. We are regularly involved in a number of local and international mergers and acquisitions, including some of the largest and most complex transactions.
Ganado Advocates’ litigation and dispute resolution team has an extensive and well-respected litigation and arbitration practice covering highly technical and specialised disputes. A notable amount of litigation involves an international commercial dimension in the areas of admiralty law, banking, insurance, gaming, corporate, international commercial arbitration, intellectual property, contractual disputes, insolvency, public procurement, competition and debt collection for foreign creditors including enforcement of foreign judgements and awards.
Chambers Review
Ganado Advocates remains a powerhouse law firm with an outstanding practice in the field of corporate, financial services and dispute resolution. On the financial services side, the team has a strong focus on investment funds and insurance regulatory matters, as well as acting on bond issuances, IPOs and financing transactions. Ganado advises clients on debt restructuring matters. Other high-level contentious work handled by the firm includes arbitration representation and litigation involving governmental entities. The firm is additionally popular with clients from the telecoms and technology industries for advice on M&A transactions and data protection mandates. Lawyers at the firm have notable expertise in the fields of tax and intellectual property law.
Work Highlights
- Ganado acted for APS Bank in its EUR68.2 million IPO on the Malta Stock Exchange.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ganado's team is able to address all issues and client's concerns with the right mix of knowledge and experience."
"The law firm is capable of thoroughly considering all legal aspects of a complex matter and at the same time maintaining a practical and clear language in its presentation, making it relatively easy to follow."
"The team has deep knowledge of Malta law. The lawyers go above and beyond in servicing clients and are quick to respond to all matters."
"Ganado Advocates has very profound knowledge with clear guidance to practical solutions. It is very focused on its clients' needs."
"Ganado is equipped with very technical staff that demonstrates strong character and very good ability to understand the needs of its client, as well as to execute in a timely manner."
"Ganado's team is able to address all issues and client's concerns with the right mix of knowledge and experience."
"The law firm is capable of thoroughly considering all legal aspects of a complex matter and at the same time maintaining a practical and clear language in its presentation, making it relatively easy to follow."
"The team has deep knowledge of Malta law. The lawyers go above and beyond in servicing clients and are quick to respond to all matters."
"Ganado Advocates has very profound knowledge with clear guidance to practical solutions. It is very focused on its clients' needs."
"Ganado is equipped with very technical staff that demonstrates strong character and very good ability to understand the needs of its client, as well as to execute in a timely manner."
Notable Practitioners
Max Ganado is a longstanding lawyer who has notable experience assisting clients with regulatory matters in the technology sector.
Andre Zerafa is one of the key names for investment funds matters in Malta, assisting clients with the establishment of funds and transactional matters.
"Andre Zerafa is one of Malta's leading lawyers and broadly recognised as a leader in the funds and investment services sector."
Antoine Cremona is a leading litigator in Malta with notable expertise representing clients in international arbitration proceedings, including under the ICC rules.
"Antoine Cremona goes straight to the point and avoids unnecessary words around the key concept while being precise."
Louis Cassar Pullicino is a leading litigator in Malta with notable expertise in commercial disputes and insolvency proceedings. He is also well versed in arbitration matters.
"I think he is very impressive, especially in light of his cross-examination skills."
"Louis Cassar Pullicino always manages to find the time to explain with ease, in plain and simple language, all the pros and cons of a legal issue."
Stephen Attard is an accomplished lawyer who assists clients with corporate transactions and debt restructuring mandates. He also has experience in tax law, advising on the tax aspects of corporate restructurings, VAT matters and the taxation of dividends.
"He can think out of the box and adapt to the client's priorities."
"Stephen Attard is a sophisticated expert that adds great value."
Conrad Portanier is a prolific lawyer in banking and finance who also assists clients with capital markets matters, including bond issuances.
"Conrad Portanier has a thorough understanding of the banking landscape and with a wide range of experience touching on multiple issues."
"Conrad is responsive to clients' needs and has depth and knowledge in commercial legal matters."
"Conrad is very knowledgeable and experienced on Maltese legislation and the EU regulatory framework."
Matthew Bianchi has a strong focus on matters in the insurance sector, including acquisitions and the establishment of new insurance ventures in Malta.
"Matthew Bianchi has excellent knowledge and responsiveness. He is a pleasure to work with."
"Matthew Bianchi is a leader in the insurance field in Malta. He guides clients, making himself always reachable and available, recognising the needs of the business and the time-sensitive factors."
Nicholas Curmi is an accomplished lawyer who is active in capital markets mandates, advising clients on IPOs as well as bond and notes issuances.
"Nicholas Curmi's technical skills are impressive and he always managed to address any concerns or questions."
Leonard Bonello is an adept lawyer who acts for banks on corporate financing matters and on the issuance of notes.
"He is very knowledgeable within the banking and fintech sector with strong regulatory connections and understanding."
Nikolai Muscat Farrugia is a highly regarded lawyer who assists clients with a range of transactions, including corporate finance and M&A.
"Nikolai Muscat Farrugia is very flexible and responsive in complex situations."
Simon Schembri is an adept lawyer who assists clients with corporate transactions, including due diligence processes and M&A.
Matthew Brincat is praised by a number of sources for his ability to handle employment law matters.
"Matthew manifests clear awareness of the local employment scene and the legal issues arising."
Paul Micallef Grimaud has notable experience representing clients in intellectual property disputes. He additionally assists with data protection matters.
"He is very proactive and imaginative."
Philip Formosa assists life sciences and gaming clients with intellectual property matters. He is also well-versed in data protection.
Ranked Lawyers at
Ganado Advocates
Malta
Members
Provided by Ganado Advocates
Adrian Gabarretta
Annalise Papa
Christine Cassar Naudi
James Farrugia
Nikolai Muscat Farrugia