Collas Crill has appointed partner Ian Montgomery as its new head of corporate, finance and funds in its British Virgin Islands office.
The appointment comes as the firm looks to drive its commercial activities forward in the region and build its BVI office presence following Hurricane Irma.
Ian was previously based in Collas Crill’s Jersey office, where he advised financial institutions, public and private businesses, individuals and funds on all aspects of commercial law from both a Jersey and BVI perspective.
His areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity, debt and equity financing, public listings (both debt and equity), tax efficient investment structures, corporate restructurings and reorganisations, takeovers, commercial contracts and corporate and commercial aspects of shareholder and contractual disputes.
Ian has significant experience advising on cross-border transactions in the real estate, financial services, energy and technology sectors, with a particular focus on transactions involving the Middle East and North Africa.
Prior to joining Collas Crill, Ian worked for Mourant Ozannes in Jersey. He has also worked for Harney Westwood & Riegels in the BVI and Pinsent Masons in London.
Ian qualified as a solicitor in Scotland in 2008 (currently non-practising), and was admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2013, and the British Virgin Islands in 2014.
Ian is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland and the BVI Bar Association. He studied law at the University of Edinburgh.
Collas Crill BVI senior partner Gerard St. C. Farara QC said: “To have a lawyer of Ian’s calibre heading up our corporate, finance and funds team is a huge asset. We’re committed to building our commercial activities here in BVI and supporting the region’s recovery, Ian’s appointment is a huge testament to that."
“We are proud to have developed a reputation as a leading law firm and Ian’s drive and technical knowledge will help us to deliver the professional expertise and high level of service our clients have come to expect from us.”
Ian said: "I’m delighted to be returning to the BVI and am looking forward to playing a fundamental role in Collas Crill’s continued growth.
“It's a fantastic opportunity to drive the commercial team forward and grow the firm’s reputation as it looks to develop its presence in the area. Collas Crill is focused on aiding the jurisdiction’s recovery post-Irma and I’m proud to be part of that commitment."
Collas Crill launched its BVI office following its merger with local firm Farara Kerins in early 2017. Its offering extends to dispute resolution, including cross-border commercial and insolvency litigation and international arbitration, funds, finance, real estate, private client and corporate work.
