5 St James Court
5 St James Court is a full-service law firm in Mauritius established in 2011 with Ravindra Chetty SC as head of chambers.
The firm is
notably active in both the financial and corporate practice area and project development.
In project development, the firm
is active
in renewable energy, real
estate
and construction. A notable highlight of the firm’s recent work includes advising
a private company on the implementation of a 25
Megawatts solar farm under the Carbon Neutral Industrial Sector Renewable Energy Scheme
set up by the Central.
Electricity Board,
Central Electricity Board,
Mauritius Investment Corporation,
Landscope (Mauritius),
Grant Thornton Mauritius,
Trustqore
“Very helpful and always provide
accurate legal advice/legal opinion. They are very responsive and have a quick
turn around time."
“They handle legal matters in a very professional manner and always provide helpful and prompt advice to us.”
“He is very helpful, knowledgeable and
provides prompt advice.”
BLC Robert & Associates
Full-service business law firm BLC Robert & Associates is based in Mauritius. The firm has seven partners and over 30 fee earners and is a member of the Africa Legal Network.
The firm has
a strong financial and corporate
practice
and a particular focus on
M&A activities and bank lending in financial services.
In M&A,
the
a notable transaction includes
advising
Cecile Holding Limited in connection with the negotiation and drafting of a major share purchase agreement
acquiring 60.7% of shares held by the Compagnie de Vallon
Limiée
in The Union Sugar Estates Company Limited, a
recognised listed company on the Development & Enterprise Market in Mauritius.
In banking,
the firm
assisted the
Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
from a Mauritian legal perspective
in regard to
an amendment agreement with a loan
facility between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and
AGRI Commodities & Finance FZ – LLC.
The loan finance is intended to help aid
smallholder farmers and agricultural
production.
ADP II Holding 13,
Cecile Holding Ltd,
Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB),
GED Africa Ltd,
IBL Energy
“BLC Robert & Associates' team
provided full support to
us and the bank involved in the financing transaction. The team was very responsive, committed, prompt in revising documents and responding to various queries. They provided practical and clear advice to the bank. Knowing the urgency of the matter and the timeline for utilisation, the team worked on weekends and through the Christmas holidays to support the closing of the transaction.”
“Very professional with
good communication. Always available when
required.”
“There has been an excellent working relationship between the in-house and corporate team and the law firm. There has been overall a good
response time from all representatives of the law firm. Litigation cases were properly followed through and managed. The law firm adopts transparent billing.”
“Negotiation strategy. Draft SPA to incorporate provisions specific to the transaction.”
“They produced the SPA and advised on final phase of negotiations to conclude the SPA.”
“Responsive, flexible, pragmatic.”
“The team provided clear and
timely advice on relevant aspects of Mauritian corporate law and were easy to work with – they integrated seamlessly into the network of legal advisers across other jurisdictions on the transaction.”
"Very knowledgeable on Mauritius law and therefore the quality of work output is consistently great, and they have
very good turnaround times.”
"First of all, the advice is very solid legally speaking and based on past experience. Their advice is also very
down-to-earth with a pragmatic approach. They also provide extra advice to ensure we have considered a 360 view."
“They are responsive, reachable, thorough, knowledgeable on banking/security matters and aware of market standards.”
“Provided full support to us and the bank involved in the financing transaction. He was very responsive, committed, prompt in revising documents and responding to various queries. He provided practical and clear advice to the bank.”
“Responsive and professional.”
“A lateral thinker – innovative.”
“He shows leadership, and clear and innovative thinking. Will go the extra mile.”
“Very helpful. Knows his subject. Proactive.”
“Responsive, accessible,
knowledgeable and thorough."
“Satyan has an exceptional knowledge of Mauritian corporate law and an ability to distill it into clear, user-friendly advice. He is also an excellent project manager, with extensive experience working alongside counsel in multi-jurisdictional transactions.”
"He has a very good grasp of technical matters,
good communication skills and is very responsive."
“Very well structured and articulate. He quickly understands the issue, looks at matters in depth and provides an interesting legal venue.”
“André brings decades of experience and wisdom when providing advice.”
Bowmans
South African firm Bowmans opened an office in Moka, Mauritius in 2019. The pan-African firm has seven offices in five countries in total.
The firm
is engaged on some notably large corporate transactions consisting of fund formation and raising, private acquisitions, and direct financing.
In M&A, the firm
worked on a range of acquisitions for buyers and sellers in
financial services, telecommunications, energy and renewables and
technology. A notable deal highlight includes advising
from a Mauritius legal perspective on
the acquisition of
Netis,
a leading pan African group in telecommunication and energy infrastructure, by Africinvest,
Amethis,
Proparco and IFC.
In investment funds the
firm worked on another notable deal in which the firm
assisted
TIDE Africa
II LP with the growth of
additional investors resulting in an
additional commitment
of $46 million to the company’s fund size.
Proparco, SBM Bank (Mauritius), Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited,
Friday Capital,
Spice Finance,
Enza Capital,
Standard Bank (Mauritius),
TIDE Africa,
Laguna Games,
Google,
Smile Telecoms
Testimonials
Capital markets : Debt
"Quality of service, speed of execution and expertise."
Financial services regulatory
"Quality service."
M&A
"Professional, always seeking to clearly understand the commercial terms/requirements and accurately integrate it in the agreements. Very responsive."
Private equity
"Responsive, clear and good quality."
Gilles Athaw
"Depth of knowledge, responsiveness and professionalism."
"Professional, always seeking to clearly understand the commercial terms/requirements and accurately integrate it in the agreements. Very responsive. Cleary advises when there is a term or condition that can negatively affect the company, and provides a solution on how to address this point."
Rajiv Gujadhur
"Listening skills, reachable and available for meetings, service with a smile despite any challenging situation."
Javed Niamut
"Responsive, very able, good problem-solver, hard-working, pleasant to deal with."
ENSafrica
South Africa based
ENSafrica opened in Mauritius in 2013 after merging with local firm De Comarmond & Koenig, the country’s oldest law firm.
ENS is a pan-African firm with more than 600 practitioners across offices in Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
The firm
has a strong focus on financial and corporate transactions and regularly
assist lending for bank and financial institutions.
A notable transaction during the research cycle includes
advising
Commercial International Bank Egypt on the establishment of operations in a number of African countries, including Mauritius.
Another notable
example of the
firms work is its role
advising
ADQ Financing RSC Limited in connection with on its financing, valued an estimated $3 billion,
to Adani Global Investment DMCC.
Commercial International Bank of Egypt,
ADQ Financing,
HSBC,
The Standard Bank of South Africa,
African Export-Import Bank,
Infraco Africa
Testimonials
"They are very accessible and flexible in meeting client demands."
"Always responsive and helpful. They went well beyond what was necessary in order to satisfy the client on a long-running matter that had continued for far longer than anyone had originally expected."
"The firm provides a prominent first-class legal work. "
"Committed. Responsive. Technically sound."
"Hardworking. Committed. Responsive."
Nashenta
Vuddamalay Zindel
"She is a pleasure to work with. Always responsive and meets all deadlines."
"Nashenta is customer focused while ensuring that all the legal bases are covered."
"Very responsive and sharp legal advice."
Juristconsult Chambers
Juristconsult Chambers is a corporate law firm founded in 1989. The firm is a member of the DLA Piper Africa network.
The firm is led by
Nicolas Richard as managing partner of the firm.
The firm has a notably strong practice in financial and corporate work in Mauritius. The firm focuses on bank lending and investment funds.
The firm advised
on the global
corporate restructuring of the
Danaher Group of Companies, which included Mauritius entities.
During the research cycle,
another notable transaction includes finalizing
McDermott’s reorganization and financing during its bankruptcy following filling a chapter 11 case in the US in 2020. The firm assisted with
amending and reviewing the exit facilities credit agreement extending
the maturity dates and
determining
if additional security was required under Mauritius law to protect collateral agents exiting liens.
Danaher Corporation,
General Electric,
Standard Chartered Bank,
Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Designated Activity Company and BNP Paribas Fortis, S.A. N.V.,
Carlyle Aviation Management / Carlyle Aviation Partners
Venture Law
Venture Law is a corporate law firm founded in 1980 and is a member of ALFA International.
The firm has strength in financial and corporate work with a focus on M&A, capital markets,
restructuring and insolvency and project financing.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm advised
a NYSE listed healthcare company on a
further stake in a Mauritius company in the life sciences sector, as well as a pre-acquisition restructuring process
for the company.
Appleby
Appleby is the Mauritanian presence of the global law firm of the same name. The firm is led by managing director Malcolm Moller and is based in Port Louis.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on banking work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Jindal Steel & Power Mauritius.
Benoit Chambers
Benoit Chambers is a full-service law firm founded by Clarel Benoit in 1994.
Focusses / specialism
The firm is a strong player in both the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. Specifically, within financial and corporate the firm has a particular focus on debt capital markets and M&A transactions.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Carlyle Group, Microsoft Indian Ocean Islands, Africa Finance Corporation, Mizuho (Switzerland), Soros Economic Development Fund, The Bank of New York Mellon, Bank of Singapore, Bank Julius Baer, Kedaara, State Street, Booking.com, LBrands, The Rockfeller Foundation, The Bill & Belinda Gates Foundation, Absa, Mauritius Financial Services Commission, Bank of Mauritius, IBL, Afrasia Bank and The Lux Collective.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in the banking, capital markets debt, financial services regulatory, investment funds, M&A, project finance and restructuring and insolvency practice areas.
In banking the firm’s work focused on lending and debt restructuring work for lenders in the banking and financial services sectors.
In capital markets debt the firm worked on both bond and note issuances for issuers for clients in the banking and financial services sectors.
In financial services regulatory the firm offered regulatory advice to clients in the financial services sector.
In investment funds the firm’s work focused on investment fund formation.
In M&A the firm worked on acquisitional, share transfer and merger work for buyers and sellers in diverse industry sectors including the manufacturing, financial services and professional services sectors.
In project finance the firm worked on financing projects for clients in the infrastructure sector.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on corporate restructurings for clients in private equity and financial services.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Axian Telecom $430million senior notes issue
Carlyle Group $4.5 billion financing
Cim Financial Services MauR500 million green bond issue
Saint-Gobain Development Sub-Saharan Africa €4.7 million acquisition of a Mauritian entity
SEACOM $90 million refinancing
SilverNova $40 million acquisition of 100% of BanyanTree Bank
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Capital markets : Debt
"Very professional, experienced, and an ability to work to a tight timelines."
Capital markets : Equity
"Highly skilled and experienced lawyers both at senior partner and principal associate/junior partner levels. Their experience was invaluable with regards to negotiation points."
Capital markets : High yield
"Professional, responsive, reliable advice."
Financial services regulatory
"Excellent knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the various pensions-related legislation."
"Comprehensive advice; pragmatic approach; swift action."
M&A
"Diligent, prompt, knowledgeable and highly engaged throughout the M&A process."
Anjeev Hurry
"Very professional, commercial and knowledgeable."
"Diligent, hard-working and very responsive turnaround."
Nadeem Lallmamode
"Hard working, diligent, prompt, responsive and highly skilled."
"Knowledgeable and a good listener."
Rishi Pursem
"Learned practitioner, an eye for detail, solution-oriented."
CMS Prism – in association with CMS
CMS Prism – in association with CMS is a Mauritanian law firm established by founding director Johanne Hague and is based in Ebene.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on financing work.
Key clients
Loinette Capital Limited, Xanara Investment Management and ACM Limited
Dentons
Dentons is the Mauritanian office of the international firm of the same name. Dentons in Mauritius was formed through a successful combination between Dentons, Mardemootoo Solicitors and Balgobin Chamber. The office is led by Sivakumaren (Robin) Mardemootoo and is based in Port Louis.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on M&A and banking & finance.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Facility for Energy Inclusion Africa, Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Air Asia Mauritius, Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Everything they assisted with was at a very high level."
Investment funds
"Quick response time, direct on points, knowledgeable on the subject"
"Responsive and clear on aspects of Mauritius law which relate to a Mauritius fund."
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland is the Mauritanian presence of the international firm of the same name, and which opened in Mauritius in 2009. The firm is based in Port Louis.
Eversheds Sutherland is a global law firm led by Chief Executive Lee Ranson and is specifically present in over 30 countries in Africa.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on M&A.
Orison Legal
Orison Legal was created by the merger of two firms in Mauritius – Legis Consult Law Chambers and 5 Fifteen Barrister.
Focusses / specialism
The firm has a focus on financial and corporate work with a particular specialism for both debt and corporate restructuring work.
Key clients
Key clients include CIM Financial Services Ltd, Ebene Square, Allianz Services Mauritius, Union des Chambres de Commerce et d’industrie de l’Océan Indien, Vacances Plus Limited
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in banking, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking the firm’s work focused on debt restructuring and refinancing for creditors in the banking and oil and gas sectors.
In M&A the firm worked on acquisition work for clients in the banking and financial services sectors.
In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on corporate restructuring and insolvency proceedings for clients.
Partner Tania Li joined the firm while Partner Nicholas Ng departed the firm during the research period.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Air Mauritius Restructuring
PLCJ
PLCJ is an international law firm founded in 2007 by Mathilde Parent Lagesse. The firm is based in Tamarin.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a focus on M&A work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Phoenix Beverages, Scott Investment, Dimomix, Compass Venture Capital, Omnicane Management and Consultancy, Inside Capital Partners, Forges Tardieu and Edena.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
M&A
"We found the PLCJ team to be: 1. Supportive in helping us identifying issues; and 2. Swift in providing its deliverables. The team made us feel like our expectations are its priority. Client focus combined with experience and humility sets this firm apart from other firms we worked with in the past."
"They are well informed on the various mechanisms and laws on different jurisdictions, and they are very efficient in keeping themselves up to date in terms of innovation and best practices benchmark."
Uteem Chambers
Uteem Chambers is a domestic corporate firm founded by Muhammad Reza Uteem.
Focusses / specialism
The firm is equally strong in the financial and corporate and project development practice areas. Within these practice areas the firm focuses on bank lending work and providing regulatory advice and assistance.
Key clients
Key clients include Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, Essar, YES Bank, Golden Agri-Resources, United States International Development Finance Corporation.
Client Feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Bank lending: Lender side
"UC is a very dynamic and pro-active law firm. They are absolutely prompt in their response. They are courteous. They provide expert advice on Mauritian laws. They explain the implications under Mauritian jurisdiction extremely clearly. This results in customer delight."
