Maples Group‘s sizeable team offers clients ’a very deep bench‘ of dedicated specialists. ’Pre-eminent practitioner‘ Michael Richardson acts as global head of the practice, and has extensive experience advising on transactional and restructuring issues relating to offshore investment funds. Managing partner Jonathan Green specialises in private equity and hedge fund formation; such funds are also the focus of Jeremy Bomford and Lee Davis, who are well versed in assisting with ongoing maintenance work. Stephen Watler is regularly instructed by Asian clients to advise on SPCs and other investment fund structures. Tim Coak and Iain McMurdo are also noted. As an additional strength, the firm is able to provide EU-regulated fund advice from its Irish desk in Cayman.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Maples has a very deep bench for all the Cayman assistance we require.'
  • 'Top-notch team across the board. Commercial, responsive, knowledgeable and experienced. They are always able to deliver the right experts in a timely fashion.'
  • 'Michael Richardson is a pre-eminent practitioner. Terrific with clients, super commercial and pragmatic.'
  • 'Caroline Heal is a fantastic lawyer who is excellent at client service and pulling in the right colleagues to help us on whatever matter we are facing.'
  • 'Jo Cunningham is smart, efficient, technically sound and cares deeply about the client experience and outcome.'
  • 'By far and away, the strongest law firm in the region for fund formation and related matters.'
  • 'Alex Howard has developed into an exceptional private funds partner. Alex is very commercial, technically excellent and always available. Also, has a great communication style and either knows the answer or will get it for you right away.'
  • 'Depth of knowledge and experience and responsiveness. Great client service. Creative when needed.'

Key clients

  • Clearlake
  • Brookfield
  • Blackstone
  • Advent International
  • Ares Management Corporate
  • Bessemer Venture Partners
  • EagleTree
  • TPG
  • Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R)
  • Arena Investors
  • The D.E. Shaw Group
  • I Squared Capital
  • KoBold Metals
  • Fortress Investment Group
  • Grosvenor Capital Management
  • Citadel

Work highlights

  • Advised Blackstone on its first-time growth equity vehicle Blackstone Growth (BXG) Funds.
  • Advised Clayton Dubilier & Rice on its successful £7bn bid to acquire Morrisons.
  • Advised Ares Management on its IPO.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Richardson

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Green, Sheryl Dean, Gwyneth Rees, Christie Walton, Grant Dixon, Julian Ashworth, Patrick Rosenfeld, Andrew Keast, Iain McMurdo, Jeremy Bomford, Christina Gordon, Tim Coak, Lee Davis, Stephen Watler, Caroline Heal, Jo Cunningham, Alex Howard, Stef Dimitriou, Ian Kirwan