Mourant to merge with Cayman Islands firm Quin & Hampson

19.02.2007

In a move to increase its presence in the Cayman Islands, Mourant announces 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, Ltd., the corporate services affiliate of Quin & Hampson.

Subject to regulatory approval, joint operations will begin by the end of April 2007 and Quin & Hampson will rebrand as Mourant with effect from Monday 1 October 2007.

Nicola Davies, Chief Executive of Mourant, said:

’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. 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.’

Stephen Ball, Chief Executive Officer of Mourant du Feu & Jeune, said:

’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. We believe this is great news for the clients of both firms.’

Charles Quin, Q.C., Senior Partner of Quin & Hampson, commented:

’The trend for consolidation in the offshore legal world is making it harder for independent firms to compete. There are strong cultural and professional similarities between Quin & Hampson and Mourant and we’re excited about our future together. Mourant is one of the most highly-respected offshore law firms. We look forward to the merger of our businesses.’