In a move to increase its presence in the Cayman Islands, Mourant has announced its intention to merge with Cayman firm Quin & Hampson.
The development, which is subject to regulatory approval, follows a period in which Mourant has been seeking to build on the base it established with the opening of a Cayman office in 2004.
The option to join with an established Cayman firm was considered the most effective way of rapidly enhancing Mourant’s competitiveness in the Cayman market.
All of the partners of Quin & Hampson will form part of a new Mourant partnership in Cayman and the employees of Quin & Hampson will transfer to Mourant. In addition Mourant is acquiring Q&H Corporate Services, the corporate services affiliate of Quin & Hampson.
Subject to regulatory approval, joint operations will begin by the end of April and Quin & Hampson will rebrand as Mourant with effect from 1 October 2007.
“Cayman is an important element in our strategy of developing a substantial presence in the major offshore and onshore centres used by the international financial markets,” says Nicola Davies, chief executive of Mourant.
“In the interests of our clients we want to accelerate the development of a stronger Mourant offering in Cayman. Our new relationship with as reputable and well-established a firm as Quin & Hampson is evidence of our commitment to the Cayman Islands as a jurisdiction. We’re delighted to be able to announce this development.”
“It’s a great honour and privilege to be joining forces with Quin & Hampson, a fantastic law firm that Charles Quin and his partners have built into one of the most admired independent firms in Cayman since it was founded in 1992,” comments Stephen Ball, CEO of Mourant du Feu & Jeune. “We believe this is great news for the clients of both firms.”