Leonard Curtis Group is investing in its specialist advisory offshore services by opening its second Channel Islands office in Jersey.
The move comes almost five years after the Group entered the Guernsey market under the direction of offshore corporate advisory and restructuring specialist Matthew Wright and will capitalise on recent changes to insolvency legislation in Jersey.
After a lengthy consultation period, Jersey’s legislature passed an amendment to the Companies Law 1991 which has introduced a new insolvency remedy for creditors of Jersey companies with effect from 1 March 2022.
This is an important development for the insolvency legislation of Jersey, bolstering the jurisdiction’s position as a leading international finance centre.
It has opened the door for Leonard Curtis to replicate its business model in Guernsey, which is providing improved, creditor-led restructuring protections for stakeholders and has a strong, trusted presence on the island.
Matthew Wright commented: “We received a very warm welcome from the Guernsey business community in 2019 and we have since established ourselves with a proven track record of protecting offshore assets and rescuing distressed businesses and funds.
“This is a similar well-timed move into Jersey and a natural progression for us.”
The Jersey operation will be based in St Helier and headed up by Aidan Tucker – who has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, specialising in advisory, corporate solvent and insolvent restructuring as well as valuation, due diligence and deals work.
Aidan is a significant, heavyweight hire for Leonard Curtis and will fully align the business with other corporate service providers who have offices in the two jurisdictions and equally senior talent.
Both offices will benefit from being part of the wider Leonard Curtis business, which has 26 UK mainland offices employing more than 280 people. The Group attracted a £15m private equity investment of its own in 2021, designed to fund investment in good people, expanded services and wider reach.
Group CEO at Leonard Curtis Dan Booth said: “Jersey provides us with an excellent and timely opportunity to provide local specialist services to a new marketplace and will cement our reputation as committed service providers in the Channel Islands and further into the offshore world.
“We’re delighted to welcome Aidan, who is such a high calibre addition to our team. He brings with him a wealth of restructuring experience and will be responsible for growth in Jersey, working closely with Matthew.
“We intend to play a full part in the business and wider community in Jersey, training and developing graduate talent to live and work locally across both islands, supporting good causes and building strong connections to best serve all our referring advisers and their clients who need our services.”
Pictured: Aidan Tucker and Matthew Wright
