denotes premium content | Jul 30 2010 
News
posted 19 Feb 2010
Mourant and Ozannes to merge
OFFSHORE LAW firms Mourant du Feu & Jeune and Ozannes have announced plans for a full economic merger of their businesses effective as of May 2010.
The union, which is still subject to regulatory approval, will create a firm of over 50 partners and some 200 fee-earners. Both firms are based in Channel Islands Jersey and Guernsey, while Mourant also offers expertise in London and the Cayman Islands.
Mourant managing partner Jonathan Rigby becomes group managing partner of the combined firm, which will be known as Mourant Ozannes. The opportunity to merge “was too good to miss”, he explained.
“We are very excited by this development and are looking forward to working together on our shared vision, to be consistently recognised as the leading law firm offshore.”
Ozannes managing partner, Robert Shepherd, will become the managing partner of the Guernsey office, while the firm’s senior partner Peter Ferbrache retains his role on the management committee. Mourant chairman and corporate partner Ian James also keeps his current title.
“There are many synergies between the firms in terms of focus, structure, culture and talented people, and by combining our market leading offering we endeavour to become the most sought after offshore law firm for clients and staff,” said Shepherd.
In December 2009 Mourant announced a decision to sell its fund and company administration division, which is now expected to complete in the first quarter of 2010 and makes the firms more compatible.
The news came as the world’s largest offshore law firm, Appleby, announced the planned opening of a Guernsey office in the first half of 2010, including the lateral hire of four partners from Ozannes.
