Keystone Law regularly handles handles complex and high value M&A in the Isle of Man, with a particular level of expertise in regard to corporate real estate M&A. Managing director Geoff Kermeen has particular experience in advising lenders and developers in the UK and European commercial real estate sector. Sally Cranshaw focuses on UK commercial real estate financing conducted through Isle of Man bodies. William Margot is experienced in cross border M&A, while Stephen Rodd advises private equity funds on tax-efficient offshore structures. Hazel Dawson is another key name, advising clients in relation to IPOs, reverse takeovers, restructuring and rights issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stable team comprised of experienced lawyers, that is always responsive and thorough.’

  • ‘Sally Cranshaw has consistently performed and is well liked and highly regarded by us.’

Key clients

  • Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.
  • Santander UK PLC
  • BentallGreenOak

Work highlights

  • Advising BentallGreenOak in relation to the IoM elements of the financing arrangements pertaining to the provision by BGO of a £74M secured term facility to a Luxembourg borrower for the purpose of the corporate acquisition of a Guernsey-incorporated SPV and an IoM incorporated SPV.
  • Advising Allied Irish Banks in respect of the Isle of Man law elements of two loan facilities made available to the Ergo Group.
  • Advising Santander in respect of several real estate finance transactions.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Keystone Law
Geoff is a Manx Advocate with a practice that includes a wide range of Isle of Man corporate and structured finance work. He has particular experience in advising lenders, investors and developers in the UK and European commercial real estate sector, and in recent years has advised upon many high-profile CRE transactions for blue chip clients relating to prime assets (mainly located in London).   Geoff is a regular attendee at real estate industry events and is a member of the Investment Property Forum. He also works closely with leading advisors in London in developing the Isle of Man’s important role in attracting international business and investment to the City and the UK.
Keystone Law
Stephen is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with a wide range of expertise across of number of jurisdictions. He has experience of advising borrowers on tax- and VAT-efficient offshore structures that hold UK-based real estate assets and expertise in advising lenders in relation to the financing of such offshore structures. In addition to providing commercial law advice to a wide range of businesses, Stephen also has extensive experience of advising IT, telecoms and e-gaming companies on technology-based commercial agreements and has previously worked as a telecommunications consultant with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). His clients include an online card payment company that provides multi-currency bill payment services to online and traditional businesses. Stephen has multi-jurisdictional experience and connections having worked in London, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Dubai as well as Glasgow and the Isle of Man.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Keystone Law
William is both a Manx Advocate and qualified Solicitor in England and Wales advising on a range of legal issues affecting corporate organisations. He also advises on a range of real estate and asset finance matters acting for banks, lenders (including alternative lenders and challenger banks) and borrowers in respect of the financing of Isle of Man entities, in particular companies, partnerships and trusts. In addition to his private practice experience, William served as In-house Legal Counsel at OCRA Worldwide.

Other key lawyers

Stephen Rodd, Geoff Kermeen, William Margot, Sally Cranshaw, Hazel Dawson, Vicci Laslett