Corporate & Finance
Global Guide 2024 : British Virgin Islands
Spotlight
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 284 494 2233About
Provided by Harneys
Harneys was the first legal practice in the BVI and for over 60 years we have been assisting clients with a wide range of legal and commercial issues.
Corporate
Harneys excels at complex cross-border, multi-jurisdictional transactions involving BVI vehicles and our outstanding deal list includes, high value private equity transactions, complex joint ventures, landmark IPOs, SPACs and the full spectrum of mergers and acquisitions.
We advise sellers and purchasers on all aspects of M&A deals from a straightforward private share and asset purchase to a takeover of a listed company by statutory merger or scheme of arrangement.
Banking and Finance
Our team enjoys a highly-respected reputation regularly winning instructions on a range of blue chip and complex finance deals, from syndicated lending, acquisition and leveraged finance, margin financing, asset based lending, property and real estate financing deals, to financial restructuring and structured finance work.
Investment Funds and Regulatory
Harneys advise on all aspects of the life of a BVI, fund including formation, restructuring and closure, both in distressed and planned scenarios. About 15% of the world’s offshore funds use BVI, with low costs making it particularly attractive to those starting out or with lower assets under management. We have particular expertise and are known as the “go to firm” in the virtual asset space, setting up the lion share of crypto funds in the jurisdiction.
Chambers Review
Harneys has a sizeable transactional team that offers high-quality advice across the full spectrum of corporate, finance and investment fund matters. The team frequently acts on some of the largest M&A transactions in the jurisdiction and also regularly assists with syndicated lending and structured finance work. It has especially noteworthy abilities in the establishment of investment funds and is also well versed in advising on the impact of the BVI's Economic Substance Act.
Work Highlights
- A Harneys team acted for Interpath Advisory on its USD30 million acquisition of Kalo Caribbean.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are the market leaders and respected experts. Their response rate is close to immediate and their service level is extremely high."
"They definitely have a very knowledgeable team, and are helpful and very quick to respond when we need assistance. They are proactive."
"They are the market leaders and respected experts. Their response rate is close to immediate and their service level is extremely high."
"They definitely have a very knowledgeable team, and are helpful and very quick to respond when we need assistance. They are proactive."
Notable Practitioners
Philip Graham has extensive expertise in BVI-domiciled investment funds, a field in which he is regarded by many as the jurisdiction's leading lawyer. He has many years of experience advising on such issues and heads up the global investment fund and regulatory teams within Harneys.
"Phil is an exemplary lawyer and BVI expert."
"Phil is simply the best. He is trusted, reasonable and a pleasure to work with."
"Phil is excellent in the funds space."
George Weston is especially focused on corporate matters, with frequent lead roles on M&A transactions and joint ventures. He has extensive experience advising on transactions in the technology and real estate spaces.
"Greg has proved a great partner for our business."
"George is a sensible lawyer. He's always good to work with."
Michelle Frett-Mathavious is a key lawyer in Harneys' transactional practice. She is well versed in banking and finance law and is frequently seen advising on structured finance transactions. She is also a key point of contact for Anguilla work.
"Michelle is to the point. She is very experienced, reliable and always available."
Ranked Lawyers at
Harneys
British Virgin Islands
Members
Provided by Harneys
Joshua Mangeot
Head of Department
Tanya Cassie-Parker