AI Leading Adviser supplement by AI Global Media

www.acq-intl.com

LEADING ADVISER Set the Wheels in Motion Tusker, is the UK’s leading Car Benefit Company, helping hundreds of organisations offer a Car Benefit Scheme to their employees. As winner of the Leaders in Fleet Management Services – UK accolade, as part of AI’s 2017 Global Excellence Awards, we interviewed the firm’s Business Development Director, Alison Argall, to find out more.

Also in this issue... Tusker, Leroy şi Asociaţii, Oscós Abogados, Phoenix The Creative Studio, Tunji Braithwaite & Co, Yuasa and Hara, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., Walker Morris LLP, T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP, Svalner, Ross Estate Agencies, VEDAS SHAAKHA, Innovation Insurance Group, LLC, BB Housefinding SL (homes-abroad.net), Lennox Paton, Maple Accountancy Group LTD, ZIFFREN BRITTENHAM LLP, NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte, VR Lakes Business Group Inc., Renaissance Personnel Ltd, Daniela Languages Ltd, KBR Inc, The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (“ICD”), GBR Design, Adrian Ashton, PEM Corporate Finance LLP, Andrew Smiths Partners, Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), EuroHold, Enforcement Bailiffs Ltd, Gulfstream Mergers, SCWP Schindhelm, GSIC - Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy, Intercorp Group, Prosperity IFA, Leapership Consultants Group, WH Partners, LexPractis, Squire Patton Boggs, Wülfing Zeuner Rechel (WZR)

No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. How to get in touch AI welcomes news and views from its readers. Correspondence should be sent to; Address: Acquisition International, First Floor Suite F, The Maltsters, 1-2 Wetmore Road, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1LS. Phone: +44 (0) 1283 712447 Email: reception@acquisition-intl.com Website: www.acquisition-intl.com Find us on...

2 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

Inside this issue... 4 Tusker Leaders in Fleet Management Services - UK 6 Leroy şi Asociaţii Leading Adviser of the Year - Romania 8 Oscós Abogados Leading Dispute Resolution Adviser of the Year - Mexico 9 Phoenix The Creative Studio Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year - Canada 10 Tunji Braithwaite & Co Leading Income Generation and Microfinance Adviser of the Year - Nigeria 12 Yuasa and Hara Leading Intellectual Property and Patent Practitioner of the Year – Japan 14 Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. Leading Litigator of the Year – USA 16 Walker Morris LLP Leading Risk and Compliance Adviser of the Year – UK 18 T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Leading Tax Adviser of the Year - India 20 Svalner Leading Tax Adviser of the Year - Sweden 22 Ross Estate Agencies Leading Real Estate Adviser of the Year – UK 23 VEDAS SHAAKHA Leading Adviser of the Year – India 24 Innovation Insurance Group, LLC Leading Expert Witness of the Year – USA 26 BB Housefinding SL (homes-abroad.net) Leading Real Estate Adviser of the Year – Spain 27 Lennox Paton Leading Tax Adviser of the Year, the Bahamas 28 Maple Accountancy Group LTD Leading Tax Adviser of the Year – UK 30 ZIFFREN BRITTENHAM LLP Leading Adviser of the Year 2017 – USA 32 NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte eading Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year – Germany 34 VR Lakes Business Group Inc. Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Adviser of the Year – USA 36 Renaissance Personnel Ltd Leading Recruitment Consultant of the Year – UK 38 The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (“ICD”)

40 Daniela Languages Ltd 42 KBR Inc Leading Technical Adviser of the Year 44 GBR Design Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year – Italy 46 Adrian Ashton Leading Advisor of the Year – UK 47 PEM Corporate Finance LLP ading Business Valuations Consultant of the Year – UK 48 Andrew Smiths Partners Leading Adviser of the Year - Sri Lanka 50 Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Leading Advisors of the Year – Guyana 52 EuroHold Leading Corporate Finance Advisers in Spain 53 Enforcement Bailiffs Ltd Leading Enforcement Adviser of the Year – UK 54 Gulfstream Mergers Leading Financial Adviser of the Year – USA 56 GSIC - Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy Leading Global Mobility & Immigration Adviser of the Yea 58 Intercorp Group Property Investment Advisor of the Year – UK 60 SCWP Schindhelm Leading Estate Adviser of the Year – Austria 61 Prosperity IFA Leading Independent Financial Adviser of the Year – UK 62 Leapership Consultants Group Leading Leadership and Management Consultant of the Year - Middle East 63 WH Partners Leading Gambling Law Adviser of the Year – Malta 64 Squire Patton Boggs Leading White Collar Crime Adviser of the Year – UAE 66 Wülfing Zeuner Rechel (WZR) Leading Adviser of the Year – Germany 68 LexPractis Leading Adviser of the Year – Malta 71 The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (“ICD”) Leading Private Equity and Capital Consultant of the Year - Saudi Arabia

Contents

06 28 Leroy şi Asociaţii

Maple Accountancy Group LTD

14 58 Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Intercorp Group

Tunji Braithwaite & Co

Squire Patton Boggs

18 T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

Company: Tusker Name: Alison Argall Email: hello@tuskerdirect.com Web: www.tuskerdirect.com Address: Building 4, Croxley Green Business Park Hatters Lane, Watford WD18 8YF UK Phone: +44 (0)333 400 8451

Set the Wheels in Motion Tusker, is the UK’s leading Car Benefit Company, helping hundreds of organisations offer a Car Benefit Scheme to their employees. As winner of the Leaders in Fleet Management Services – UK accolade, as part of AI’s 2017 Global Excellence Awards, we interviewed the firm’s Business Development Director, Alison Argall, to find out more.

1708AI38 usker provide Car Benefit Schemes and contract hire services to organisations across the public and private sector. They work with big brands including Harrods, National Grid and Your Move, as well as 25% of NHS Trusts in England and a third of ambulance trusts.

The firm’s Business Development Director, Alison Argall, shares with us the virtues of Car Benefit Schemes, as the interview kicks off. “Car Benefit Schemes give employees earning above the National Living Wage the opportunity to drive a brand-new car, complete with insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover. An all-inclusive package gives a total peace of mind to the driver and their employer.

“Our commitment to customer services sets us apart in what we do. It’s our desire to make people happy which truly drives each member of the Tusker family, and which shines through in our interactions with our customers.” “Providing savings in terms of National Insurance, as well as tax depending on the car chosen, the Car Benefit Scheme is proven to be cheaper than similar offerings at retail. It can also provide savings to the employer through National Insurance contributions and should a ULEV be chosen, this can amount to hundreds of pounds per car per year. “Contract hire customers utilise Tusker’s expertise as an outsourcing option for their company cars. This way, Tusker can take the hassle out of managing a fleet and ensure that costs are controlled with a fixed monthly amount per car, rather than varying servicing and maintenance costs.” On being selected as Leaders in Fleet Management Services – UK accolade, as part of AI’s 2017 Global Excellence Awards, Tusker is thrilled to have their efforts recognised. Alison also reveals the firm’s overall mission and how they integrate innovation into every aspect of their work.

4 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“An accolade like this is something which the team at Tusker are all very proud of. It’s recognition for all the hard work and dedication the staff at Tusker have put in over the past 12 months, from the CEO and throughout each team in the company. We’re proud to display the awards in our literature, website and reception, so that customers, partners and employees can see the progress we continue to make in the industry.” “Tusker is on a mission to make employees happy. It’s part of everything we do and is a focus for all our teams. Uniquely, our structure has been developed with the customer in mind. We have four separate teams, all dedicated to customer services at each stage of their interactions with us, in addition to marketing and sales support functions for organisations, once they have implemented our scheme. “Our teams are provided with continuous personal training and development, through an online academy portal which ensures knowledge and skills sets are maximised for the roles, that the staff here undertake. It’s part of a commitment to ensuring that the firm evolves with the customer in mind, as we grow. We have a five star Trustpilot rating and a 97% customer satisfaction level, so we feel we’re doing well, though there is always room for improvement! Alison then provides us with a compelling overview of the wider industry, when it comes to Car Benefit Schemes. She also reveals what techniques the firm uses to stay ahead of any emerging developments. “2017 saw a huge change for Car Benefit Schemes, or so the mainstream media would have you believe. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) decided to implement some changes to the way in which tax is applied to salary sacrifice schemes. This didn’t have the massive impact on cars, which was seen by some other salary sacrifice products, as cars have always attracted Benefit In Kind and continue to do so. The changes which were imposed have had a minimal impact on the car schemes, as the major benefits of the schemes remain and the changes in cost have been negligible. “Tusker are a data driven organisation and as such, we pride ourselves on the ability to predict trends and adapt accordingly. Our data analysis ensures

that Tusker can accurately predict the near future and ensure we remain relevant and effective for the customers. We’re also good listeners. We have an experienced account management team, who work collaboratively with customers and actively listen to their concerns, suggestions and requirements to ensure we make the most of our capabilities for their benefit.” In closing, Alison reveals the firm’s internal culture and its future. “Tusker are a forward-thinking organisation and as such, we pride ourselves on our abilities to promote and develop the firm’s teams from within. This is in part due to the commitment of management to implement and promote the use of the academy, which is an online training portal. This unique system is available 24 hours a day to all staff and provides individuals with opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills, within working hours and at home. Recognition is afforded to those who utilise the system and maximise the opportunities to improve themselves. “For the past year, our teams have been hard at work developing a completely new set of processes, systems and tools to future-proof the organisation, from a technology perspective. Tusker’s new adaptable systems will be cutting-edge technology, giving us the most innovative and effective website as well as driver portals to maximise the simplicity of the site, for the benefit of our customers.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI40

Company: Leroy şi Asociaţii Name: Bruno Leroy Email: leroy@leroylaw.ro Web: www.leroylaw.ro Address: Strada Maior Gh. Șontu nr. 10-12, Sector 1, București, 011448 Romania Phone: +40 21 223 03 10

A True Leader in the Market Leroy şi Asociaţii is a full-service firm, based in Bucharest, Romania. They have become one of the ‘go to’ firms across several practice areas. As the exclusive winner of the Leading Adviser of the Year – Romania accolade, within the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards, we took the opportunity to interview Bruno Leroy to learn more about the firm’s renowned expertise within the legal sector. ith almost 20 years of experience on the market, Leroy şi Asociaţii is one of Romania’s leading and fastest growing independent firms of its kind. It emerged from the former French law firm Gide’s Bucharest team, originally established in Romania during 1998. Bruno Leroy introduces the firm’s work and shares with us how it feels to win the Leading Adviser of the Year - Romania accolade.

“We are a full-service firm. We have become one of the ‘go to’ firms across several practice areas, as has been demonstrated through our involvement in some of the largest national and multi-jurisdictional deals and projects, focusing on both high value transactions and day to day legal advice.” “We are extremely excited to be named Leading Adviser of the Year – Romania. This we believe is a recognition of the exceptional talent of our people, and the pure hard work and dedication that our team has put into all projects and client files handled over the past twelve months. During the past year, we have been involved in some of the most important investments and transactions in the Romanian market (namely the first successful IPO of a private firm in the medical sector and a series of acquisitions in the IT, FMCG and the industrial sectors).” “This award confirms our position as a leader in the field of business law, and we believe that it will help us to further cement Leroy şi Asociaţii as the ‘go to’ firm - for companies seeking best in class legal advice in Romania. We will continue to promote talent and innovation in a dynamic and diverse environment, where great ideas are both welcome and encouraged. This we believe transforms into excellent results for our clients.” Bruno then tells us about his own role as an adviser and more about the firm’s specific areas of expertise and what they can offer potential clients. “As the founding partner of Leroy şi Asociaţii I specialise in corporate, M&A as well as competition, distribution and consumer law. As for my own role in the firm, I prefer to let my achievements and work speak on my behalf. I am very proud of our team and our achievements and I look forward to us growing together, as individuals and as a firm.”

6 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“During almost two decades of providing high level legal advice and critical support to our broad portfolio of clients, we have gained national and international recognition for our role in some of the most significant investments and transactions in Romania. We provide our multinational, SME, international institution and local clients with the full range of services to meet their specific legal needs and, to facilitate smooth interaction with the Romanian authorities and other stakeholders.” Bruno then reveals more about people, in terms of both the firm’s client base and his own staff. “Our clients range from multinationals, SME’s, international institutions and local companies. We have a diversified customer base that continues to grow. As I have mentioned before, we let our work speak for itself and thus, we have gained much recognition as well as new clients through word of mouth.” “Leroy şi Asociaţii is structured into different teams, which specialise in the main areas of business law: corporate M&A, banking & finance, competition, distribution & consumer law, real estate, energy & natural resources, projects & infrastructure, intellectual property & data protection, employment, dispute resolution and insurance & aviation.” “We believe in growing talent from within and investing in our people. As a result of the firm’s continuous growth, we have started 2017 with the announcement of two new partners, Cristina Togan and Eleonora Udroiu – both highly recognised lawyers with extensive experience in banking & finance, real estate, commercial, energy and competition law. Both Cristina and Eleonora have been part of the team for more than 10 years, so we take great pride in them and the quality of work they produce. They are partners that I would describe as both true professionals and leaders. “On the other end, we continue to recruit junior lawyers, young professionals who develop and grow under our constant care and mentoring.” In closing, Bruno is eager to share the firm’s plans for 2017 and the exciting opportunities coming up for them.

“Our main objective is to continue to offer high quality legal advice to our clients, as we assist them in successful transactions and to offer a full range of legal services, that meet their specific needs.” “The Romanian business landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic and this is driving growth in compelling investment opportunities across various sectors. We are seeing a definite rise in highly sophisticated transactions taking place in the market and we are confident that the firm will continue to play an integral role in the most significant deals and investments in the country, supported by our fast-growing reputation as a leader in the market.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI38

Company: Oscós Abogados Name: Darío U. Oscós Coria Email: contact@ oscosabogados.com.mx Web: www.oscosabogados. com.mx Address: Paseo del Río (Joaquín Gallo) No. 53 Chimalistac, Del. Coyoacan. C.P. 04340 México, D.F. Phone: +52 (55) 1253 0100

Delivering High-Quality Results Oscós Abogados is a high-profile boutique practice, that specialises in both domestic and international conflicts. To mark their success in achieving the Leading Dispute Resolution Adviser of the Year – Mexico, within the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards, we invited the firm to provide a short profile of their highly respected and valued work. scós Abogados is a high-profile boutique practice, boasting a rich experience and technical expertise in handling insolvency, reorganisation, creditor’s rights, bankruptcy, litigation, alternative dispute resolutions, product liability within a wide variety of industries. The firm is based in Coyoacán, one of the 16 boroughs of the Federal District of Mexico City.

The industries that Oscós Abogados is concerned with range from banking, finance, securities, energy, oil, gas, construction, real estate, industrial property, copyright and commercial companies to telecommunications and business in general, commercial or civil.

8 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

In addition, Oscós Abogados has been involved in major cross-border and domestic insolvency, litigation and arbitration cases in Mexico. The firm has built up a strong reputation for delivering highquality results, in both a discreet and timely fashion. Please feel free to contact us, to learn more.

1706AI43

Company: Phoenix The Creative Studio Name: Fouad Mallouk Email: info@phoenix.cool Web: phoenix.cool Address: 384, Saint-Jacques Street, suite 101 Montreal (Qc), H2Y 1S1 Canada Phone: +1 514 448 1618

The Addictive Habit of Winning Phoenix (The Creative Studio) sets out to ensure that clients receive the visibility they deserve, benefit from an increased notoriety for all the good reasons only, unless mischief is the name of their game. As winner of the Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year – Canada, we interviewed President, Fouad Mallouk to find out how this firm thinks outside the box.

hoenix The Creative Studio, is not afraid to think outside whatever is outside the box, to find the marketing strategy that will make you go from hero to superhero. You can look at what this firm does in a couple of ways. Some describe them as a humanscale studio whose artisans design interactions to generate emotions and connect with brands. Others believe they create the alchemy of inspiration from mixing the blood of a design team with the ashes of the phoenix. Flip a coin and see which one you get!

The firm’s seasoned experience and awards received are the first two points that the firm’s President, Fouad Mallouk impresses upon us.

“The fact is that the firm’s creative audacity and technical prowess, have already won more than 50 major awards and over 300 international mentions for the work we’ve done on behalf of our clients.” “Phoenix The Creative Studio are not tied to old, tired, cliché and overdone ideas. The firm stands out and we want you to stand out. For over 10 years, we have outdone ourselves in every project have tackled, whether it consisted of graphic design, web development, marketing or going to the pub. The firm’s new team of fresh and open young minds, ensures that we will continue providing innovation to clients. We are equipped and eager to bring you both unconventional ideas and unexpected strategies, to help you reach your goals in style. “We understand every communication is an opportunity to change people’s perception of your product or your brand - and to trigger a chain reaction that will transform or even transmogrify your position in the market. Think of what we do as performing a lifting on your brand. People will notice! “In the last few years, the creative crew at Phoenix The Creative Studio has been lauded and acclaimed relentlessly, winning many national

and international mentions, including Best Small Agency of 2015, 9 Sites of the Day on Awards, 8 Sites of the day on CSS Design Awards, 3 Sites of the Month, 3 FWA and a lot more. Phoenix The Creative Studio plans on making this kind of success a habit and as such, we do what it takes to achieve just that. We do not clone magic geese nor pearl-bearing oysters, so please stop asking!” On the technology employed and the importance of creating brand creates brand experiences that engage people, Fouad is eager to outline more of this. “Technology, specifically the internet and its digital derivatives, have been accepted and adopted globally. Yet somehow, people and businesses still underestimate its power and ROI. Furthermore, they have trouble keeping up with consumers’ new expectations and fast-changing markets. This is where we come into play. “By merging interaction and emotion, Phoenix The Creative Studio creates brand experiences that engage people. How I hear you ask? Well, we do this by reinventing them for the new interactive age, breaking with industry standards and keeping them relevant and enjoyable so people connect through them. Because when you connect with people, people let their guards down. “The fact is that the firm’s creative audacity and technical prowess, have already won more than 50 major awards and over 300 international mentions for the work we’ve done on behalf of our clients. Winning is an addictive habit. So, talk to us. Before you know it, you’ll be addicted too. Finally, Fouad sums up the marvellous services provided by Phoenix The Creative Studio. “The firm’s services include graphic design, branding, marketing strategies, photography, video production, advertising design, viral marketing campaigns, television advertising, promotional posters, online marketing, website creation, logo design, animation and print. If you are looking for a good serving of innovation, artistic flair and creativity to permeate your new marketing strategy, you have found the right people for the task at hand.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI21

Tunji Braithwaite & Co Company: Tunji Braithwaite & Co Name: Olumide Braithwaite Email: olumide@ tunjibraithwaiteco.com info@tunjibraithwaiteco.com Web: www.tunjibraithwaiteco.com Address: 34 Okesuna Street Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria. P.O. BOX 785 Phone: +234 1 775 59 81

Raise the Bar Tunji Braithwaite & Co was established in 1961 by the managing partner, Dr Tunji Braithwaite. As winner of the Leading Income Generation and Microfinance Adviser of the Year – Nigeria, we interviewed the founder to learn more about the firm’s distinguished work in the legal sector. unji Braithwaite & Co has been a distinguished and outstanding legal practice in Nigeria, for over 50 years and was at the forefront of commercial activity, following Nigeria’s Independence. Their clients include multinationals such as Swissair, (obtaining landing rights for the Airline), Julius Berger (incorporated in Nigeria by Dr Braithwaite in 1965 as they began to construct Eko Bridge), BASF; HOESCHT (both German chemical conglomerates), Carrara Marble Co and Weide & Co.

Dr Olumide Braithwaite is a Member of Lincoln’s Inn London and was called to the English Bar in 1959 and today he is the managing partner of the firm. He kicks things off by revealing the firm’s aims and his own areas of expertise.

“Tunji Braithwaite & Co continues to gain prominence for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality and integrity, in the provision of legal services to our clients.” “Tunji Braithwaite & Co continues to gain prominence for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality and integrity, in the provision of legal services to our clients. “I am the managing partner of the firm, with wide ranging experience in practice, both as an effective litigator and in non-contentious matters. I have a considerable wealth of experience in advising on foreign investment, IP, banking & finance and oil & gas transactions. I have also acted for several notable sports personalities negotiating favourable contracts with international football clubs. I am registered member of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm’s practice areas include banking and finance, Olumide tells us. He explains more about this aspect of the firm’s work and shares his thoughts on commercial litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution. “The firm’s banking and finance department provides transactional and advisory services to clients. We provide advice in the areas of securitization, trade finance and international capital markets,

10 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

projects, global depositories, asset finance and collective investments securities, foreign exchange regulations and hedging mechanisms, syndicated and bilateral lending, leveraged finance, private placements and recapitalisations. The firm’s clients include investment and commercial borrowers and lenders. We also act for international banking houses, advising them on lending within Nigeria and internationally. “I am a renowned litigator and my reputation precedes me. The firm is therefore able to draw on my considerable expertise, to provide unmatched services to clients on all aspects of commercial litigation. We can act effectively and successfully on behalf of clients, particularly in managing complex multi-faceted matters, involving several claims and parties. “The firm also recognises that in the best interests of clients, disputes where possible should be quickly and effectively resolved, without recourse to the courts. As such, we offer clients an alternative dispute resolution service, that meets their needs.” Tunji Braithwaite & Co also looks at corporate and commercial, as well as intellectual property, Olumide adds. “The firm’s corporate department offers a marketleading capability on public and private mergers, acquisitions, corporate restructurings, projects, joint ventures and more. Within this department, the firm has a wealth of expertise in capital markets and we can offer clients a broad spectrum of services and advice on investment law. Added to this, where necessary we can provide representation at the Investment and Securities Tribunal. We also provide a full company secretarial service, together with advice on all aspects of company formation and operation. “On intellectual property, we provide a full range of services in the protection of such rights, ideas, concepts, trade names, trademarks, patents, copyright, licensing and franchising. From searching to registration to use and enforcement and where necessary, litigation upon infringement, the firm can provide a complete service to clients in the both use and protection of their assets.” In terms of project finance, the firm’s lawyers have been advising around this area for some time, Olumide points out. “We have therefore built up considerable expertise in a wide range of jurisdictions. We engage mainly

in transactions involving all legal issues affecting the establishment, operation and management of wide ranging projects in the fields of international construction, engineering, gas exploration, development and production, solid mineral extraction, co-operative communal agricultural and other earth resources based industries. “The firm provides services which fully support these projects including advising on access to international financing institutions, the preparation of financing agreements and constituting an effective legal structure for the operation of these projects.” As a closing thought, it is well worth mentioning other practice areas that the firm specialises in. You can read more about these on their website, but here is a short summary: • Real estate - The firm provides comprehensive advice and representation on all aspects of real estate finance, acquisition, disposal and management. • Shipping - The firm has experience in providing professional services to major operators in the maritime and admiralty sector. • Telecommunications - The firm is well placed to provide the necessary legal expertise required by clients to continue to be market leaders in this area.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1708AI10

Company: Yuasa and Hara Name: Osamu Yamamoto Email: yamamoto-ch@ yuasa-hara.co.jp Web: www.yuasa-hara.co.jp Address: Section 206, New-Ohtemachi Building, 2-1 Ohtemachi, 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-0004 Japan Phone: +81 3 3270 6641

A Wide Range of Legal Experience Founded in 1902, Japanese law firm Yuasa and Hara has developed expertise covering seamless intellectual property protection, various business legal issues, and accounting. We spoke to the firm’s partner at the patent division and chief of chemical section, Osamu Yamamoto, to celebrate their receiving of the Leading Intellectual Property and Patent Practitioner of the Year – Japan accolade. ounded in 1902, Yuasa and Hara is a pioneer in multidisciplinary practice. The firm is organised into four divisions: law, patent, trademark & design and accounting & auditing. It is one of the oldest law and patent firms in Japan today.

Partner at the patent division and chief of the chemical section, Osamu Yamamoto provides an excellent introduction to the firm’s work and his own role within it. “At Yuasa and Hara, we have many professionals specialising in a variety of areas, including 21 lawyers, 63 patent attorneys, three certified public accountants and one tax accountant. While each division functions independently as a legal, patent and accounting firm, our members also closely cooperate with each other. They do this to provide complete and multiple intellectual property services to clients, both in Japan and overseas. “Since the early days of the firm, provision of an international service for both Japanese and foreign clients have been at the core of our legal and intellectual property practice. We have unprecedented expertise across all relevant legal and technical fields and providing seamless integration of intellectual property protection, business law and accounting. “My major areas of expertise are: biochemistry; diagnostics; food science; pharmaceuticals; microbiology; polymer chemistry (all aspects of patent issues, including filing patent applications and patent term extensions, handling Japan Patent Office actions, providing expert opinions, defending or attacking patent rights in invalidation trials or post-grant oppositions, and representing clients in infringement litigation).” Since the early days of Yuasa and Hara, the provision of expeditious international services, for their clients both in Japan and overseas has been the core value of the firm’s practice, Osamu tells us. “To sustain and enhance this capacity, we have always valued international cooperation with overseas law and patent firms and have established a strong global network. We have built up alliances

12 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

with overseas reliable law firms, especially about corporate legal and IP cases. “In addition to these private alliances, there are always several members of our firm actively engaged in international associations relating to law and IP such as AIPLA, AIPPI, ALAI, APAA, FICPI, INTA, IPBA and LES, thus building close relationships with foreign lawyers and patent attorneys.” Osamu then tells us about the firm’s general corporate legal services of their attorneys-at-law. “We handle professional legal services in various areas. We prepare a system to immediately respond to cases that require understanding of complicated facts - or technologies and process cases more promptly and adequately - even in areas that require advanced expertise. “The firm’s major areas of legal expertise are: corporate legal practice, corporate and commercial dispute resolution services, patent and intellectual property litigation, unfair competition litigation, and licensing.” The firm has several attorneys-at-law, who are former judges at the intellectual property division of high court, or those whose major in university was in science and technology. “We can handle various cases relating to intellectual property - with the help of our patent attorneys – who have specialised knowledge at the firm’s patent as well as our trademark and design division. “We have a wide range of experience in legal advice when it comes to the preparing or reviewing of expert opinions, contracts and company rules in case of disputes, on pursuing negotiations, litigations, arbitration and mediation procedures.” Yuasa and Hara provides support and representation in all aspects of patent administration, Osamu tells us. “We have an experienced group of patent attorneys, specialising in a wide variety of technical fields including chemical, electric/electronic, mechanical and highly advanced technologies.

“We combine the skills of patent attorneys with those of our intellectual property lawyers and trademark attorneys, who are all well versed in obtaining, protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights. This allows us to offer comprehensive intellectual property services - and to help you protect intellectual property rights pertaining to your new ideas - including patents, copyrights, industrial design rights and trademarks. “We aid every step of the patent process, from preparation and prosecution of patent applications, to post-grant proceedings and enforcement. We serve a diverse client base, ranging from domestic and overseas individuals to corporations.” In closing, Osamu tells us how it feels to be awarded the leading Intellectual Property and Patent Practitioner of the Year – Japan accolade. He also outlines his future plans. “It is a great honour for our firm and myself. In terms of my future plans, I will be attending the AIPPI 2017 conference in Sydney, as a panellist of the session ‘digital health’. Digital health is a field that has been developing rapidly, indeed it is one that our firm is focussing on.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI39

Company: Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. Name: William C. Martucci Email: WMARTUCCI@shb.com Web: www.shb.com Address: 1155 F Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20004 Phone: +1 202 783 8400

Achieving Legal Excellence For more than a century, the world’s leading companies have turned to Shook, Hardy & Bacon (Shook) to obtain favourable results under the most contentious circumstances. The firm was delighted to receive the Leading Litigator of the Year – USA, within the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards. To mark this success, we spoke to the firm’s partner to get a flavour of what they do. hook, Hardy & Bacon’s (Shook) clients expect more than wins. They engage Shook, both inside and outside the courtroom, to protect their business investments and maximise opportunities for growth. At Shook, we believe that legal excellence begins and ends with relationships, founded on creative and practical solutions. Our attorneys approach every challenge with integrity, tenacity and collegiality to achieve the best results for those we represent. Our motto is: Providing creative and practical solutions at unsurpassed value. ®

“Our attorneys approach every challenge with integrity, tenacity and collegiality to achieve the best results for those we represent. Our motto is: Providing creative and practical solutions at unsurpassed value.®” Integrated legal services Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s reputation as an international powerhouse, is founded on longstanding collaborations with industry leaders in science, health and technology. Working at the intersection of litigation, regulation and public policy, our attorneys stay ahead of emerging issues to help companies execute their long-term objectives. We not only understand the business partners and their people, products and processes, but leverage this institutional knowledge to ensure consistency and accountability, no matter the size or complexity of the engagement. The firm’s teams work closely with in-house counsel, to respond to litigation threats and anticipate future trends. We assist with regulatory compliance, information security and privacy issues and corporate reviews to defuse contentious legal scenarios and promote overall operative efficiency. With access to the firm’s arsenal of complex litigation experience, scientific and technical knowledge and state-of-the-art litigation management tools, our

14 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

clients also benefit from the latest in e-discovery, data tracking and retention technology. Alternative fee arrangements Shook believes that the clients are best served by open discussions around fee structures. To this end, we offer many options for financial arrangements not tied to the billable hour, including fixed fees, capped fees, performance-based fees and blended hourly rates. They are popular, because they provide transparency and predictability, indeed these arrangements are structured to produce results that will exceed client expectations. • Annual Fixed Fees: We have negotiated fixed-fee agreements with leading companies in such areas as class actions, product liability, general liability, employment and business litigation. The fixed-fee model can be applied to a single matter, portfolio of matters, or even certain phases of litigation. • Capped (‘not-to-exceed’) Fee: Under this framework, litigation is divided into phases, with a not-to-exceed dollar amount set for each phase. If the total monthly billings for a phase are less than the not-to-exceed amount, the unused portion may be carried over to increase the not-to-exceed amount for the next phase. • Performance-based billing: We use a modified performance-based billing approach with some of our national litigation clients. Under this arrangement, the matters are billed at standard hourly rates, but a portion of the fee is held back based on the outcome. • Blended hourly rates: Blended rates are available for certain litigation phases or entire cases. • Per-page pricing: We have used per-page pricing for document review projects. Diversity and inclusion Diversity is an essential component of the firm’s vision statement, which provides in part, that Shook, Hardy & Bacon is deeply passionate about sustaining: “A diverse environment where everyone is respected, feels appreciated and experiences fulfilment and enjoyment through meaningful contributions.” The firm’s equal opportunity policy explicitly bars discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and domestic partner benefits apply to same-sex relationships.

Shook works with clients to make significant progress in the recruitment and advancement of attorneys from diverse backgrounds. The firm is actively involved with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association and is a supporter of A Call to Action: Diversity in the Legal Profession. Shook is also a member of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession, national organisations dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion in the legal arena. Law school workshops - Shook partners with student organisations such as the National Black Law Students Association on programmes that offer practical advice on improving resumes and interviewing skills. Diversity job fair recruiting - Shook recruits at such events across the nation, including the Heartland Diversity Job Fair, DuPont Minority Job Fair, Lavender Law Job Fair, Cook County Minority Job Fair and South-Eastern Minority Job Fair. Women’s Management Council - This proactive group of Shook women partners serves as a catalyst for programmes targeting the unique challenges facing women practitioners. Educational programming - Shook’s diversity and inclusion committee spearheads diversitythemed presentations throughout the year, for both attorneys and staff. Recent programmes have included those focusing on increasing awareness of implicit bias, cultural competency, generational diversity and trans inclusion and luncheons featuring Shook alumnae in the judiciary, LGBT issues, native American/tribal law issues and parenting diversity-sensitive children. Diversity and inclusion checklist - Shook requires every attorney to personally commit to diversity, as a core value. To help achieve the firm’s diversity goals, all attorneys are required to complete at least 10 diversity commitment action items from the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Checklist, as part of the annual evaluation and compensation process.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1707AI13

Company: Walker Morris LLP Email: andrew.northage@ walkermorris.co.uk Web: www.walkermorris.co.uk Address: Kings Court, 12 Kings Street, Leeds LS1 2HL UK Phone: +44 (0)113 283 2500

High-Calibre Legal Advice Walker Morris occupies a distinctive position as the largest single-site UK commercial law firm outside London. The firm was selected as the Leading Risk and Compliance Adviser of the Year – UK, as part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. We invited Andrew Northage, partner in the Regulatory & Compliance Group at law firm Walker Morris LLP to tell us more about the range of the firm’s work, in providing straightforward legal advice. ith a staff of over 450 including 49 partners, Walker Morris is uniquely recognised for its strong multi-disciplinary teamwork and straightforward advice. It is a full-service, commercial law firm focused on providing national and international clients with partner-led, high-quality advice. The firm acts for an enviable range of clients including regional, national and international organisations in both the public and private sector.

“We are honoured to receive this award which recognises our investment and commitment to this specialist area of legal expertise.” Walker Morris offers a full range of commercial expertise including: banking, restructuring & insolvency; commercial contracts; competition & state aid; construction & engineering; consumer finance; education; employment & pensions; environment; financial services; healthcare; food & drink; government; health & safety; housing & regeneration; infrastructure; insurance litigation; intellectual property; M&A; public sector; planning; procurement; regeneration; regulatory & compliance; technology and media & telecoms. Andrew began the interview by revealing the firm’s partner-led work, their approach to clients and something of their background in the legal industry. “We offer clients truly accessible partners who get the job right, providing partner-led advice based on their knowledge and understanding of working with individual clients. It’s why over 90% of our partners are recognised in Chambers and Legal 500 for their expertise. “Walker Morris was formed in May 1988 although it can trace its origins back to the 1880s in Leeds. We have specifically chosen to create a single-site, national centre of excellence in Leeds providing a complete commercial legal service for its regional, national and international clients.

16 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“For our clients, this means efficiency and cost effectiveness from a single location office where lawyers are focused on working on our clients’ behalf. We deliver the right result and share best practice and process efficiencies within Walker Morris and with clients. We build long term relationships with clients and it is one of the reasons why 54% of our top 50 clients have been clients for 10 years or more.” Andrew is eager to reveal how it feels for the firm to be selected as the Leading Risk and Compliance Adviser of the Year – UK, as part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. “The Walker Morris Regulatory & Compliance Team is delighted to be named as winners of the ‘Leading Risk and Compliance Adviser of the Year – UK’ in the AI Leading Adviser Awards 2017. Receiving this award is testament to the team’s commitment and client focus and we are grateful to everyone who voted for us. “We are honoured to receive this award which recognises our investment and commitment to this specialist area of legal expertise.” Andrew sketched the wider industry challenges Walker Morris faces in the UK. “Recent developments in the data protection landscape, particularly the implementation of the GDPR and the EU-US Privacy Shield mean that this is a key time for businesses to ensure their regulatory requirements are in order. “In less than 12 months’ time, the new EU-wide data protection regime comes into force. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduces key changes, including new and enhanced rights for individuals, specific legal obligations on data processors, obligations to notify data breaches, fines up to the greatest of 4% of annual global turnover or €20 million, and detailed record-keeping requirements. The implementation of GDPR in the UK is unaffected by Brexit, and there is no transitional period, which means that businesses must be compliant by 25 May 2018.” Andrew highlighted what expertise Walker Morris LLP can offer to potential clients in the future.

“Clients receive first class, partner-led, commercial advice from a responsive team of talented lawyers who are committed to achieving the right outcomes for them. Our expertise covers a wide range of specialisms and industry sectors, but one example is our data protection experts, who can assist organisations with all aspects of GDPR compliance from data mapping to implementing a compliance strategy. “For some organisations, we have been helping them with a full information audit (including a data mapping exercise) and gap analysis. This service includes review existing consents, processes and records and identifying and review any contracts with third parties, where data processing is a relevant consideration. For other organisations, we have been checking that their processes and policies are compliant and assisting with staff training, to ensure they understand the requirements of the legislation.”

Closing on a note of optimism, Andrew reveals the role that staff play in the success of Walker Morris LLP. “Our investment in recruiting high-calibre, specialist lawyers span several decades and has manifested itself in the emergence of several specialist legal practice areas, many of which are unique for a law firm outside London. For example, we have dedicated legal practices in financial services, consumer finance, regulatory, competition, retail, sports law, waste and energy, and healthcare, as well as a dedicated trademarks practice.

“This means our clients have access to the highest quality, leading edge lawyers, who have strong commercial awareness and who understand the clients’ business. Our clients benefit from the firm’s investment in multi-disciplinary sector groups focused on their requirements.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI42

Company: T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants Name: Siddharth Banwat Email: itax@tpostwal.in Web: www.tpostwal.in Address: Lodha Supremus, 13th floor, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013, India Phone: +91 (22) 4945 4000

Innovative Tax and Regulatory Solutions T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants is a premier professional services firm, who recently were given the prestigious Leading Tax Adviser of the Year - India accolade, as part of the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards. To celebrate their selection, we interviewed the firm’s partner, Siddharth Banwat to learn more about the high-quality services offered. .P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants is focused on providing high-quality services to its clients in the tax, consulting and regulatory domains. In this vein, the firm intends to add value, by blending practical business advice with consulting, tax and regulatory inputs.

The firm’s partner, Siddharth Banwat conveys to us the wide range of services offered, the seasoned members of staff on hand and the focus on ensuring that the client is always satisfied.

The firm’s mission statement is simply: “Client satisfaction through our efficient and high quality services”, Siddharth tells us. He goes on to develop this core aspect of the firm’s work. “The firm is engaged in providing wide spectrum of services in the areas of inbound and outbound investment consultancy, corporate laws consultancy, audit and investigations, management consultancy, exchange control regulations related consultancy, consultancy and compliance services on mergers & acquisitions, foreign collaborations, domestic taxation, international taxation - strategic planning & compliance and service tax matters. “We have developed expertise in these areas over the years with hand on experience. The firm has requisite qualified staff and resources - to provide highly reliable services to clients. Our existing client profile, includes domestic clients and foreign clients, both corporate as well as noncorporate. The guiding philosophy of the firm is to render specialised and tailor made services, to help achieve the client’s objective with maximum efficiency and minimum cost. “The firm expects to realise this vision, by always placing the client’s needs at the front and centre, hiring the best professionals, investing continuously in their personal and professional development and adhering rigorously to a set of values that are at the core of everything we do.”

18 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

The firm’s mission statement is simply: “Client satisfaction through our efficient and high quality services”, Siddharth tells us. He goes on to develop this core aspect of the firm’s work. “We believe that what clients truly value is sound technical advice - delivered in the context of their business or commercial situation - advice that is not only technically sound, but which is also practical, effective and implementable. This requires going beyond the specific tax or regulatory issue to understanding the underlying business transaction and imperatives - then applying an understanding of the tax and regulatory framework - to fashion a solution that works. “T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants equally believes, that we will gain and retain the client’s confidence, only when can provide such advice consistently, from engagement to engagement, from one year to the next. We are passionately committed to doing so.” Siddharth then turns the conversation towards the firm’s core values of integrity, passion for excellence, stewardship and personal growth. “T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants is committed to maintaining integrity in our efforts, commitments to clients, people and conduct. We are committed to working with the best clients, hiring the best people, providing the best environment, encouraging innovation and creativity and delivering consistent, high quality value-added services. “The firm is committed to an organisational philosophy. By this, I mean that the role of all partners and people, is to build the T.P. Ostwal & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants while we are a part of it and leave behind a firm, that is stronger and better than when we first associated with it. “We are committed to an environment that continually fosters both the personal and professional growth, of all our people. We achieve this by providing a best-in-class work environment, through ongoing investment in technical and professional development, providing challenging professional opportunities to our people as well as consistently living the firm’s values.”

Strategy In today’s environment, the tax and regulatory function must contribute to financial performance of a firm like any other part functions, Siddharth adds. “This is vital at a time when opportunities, as well as threats, are coming from so many different directions. Markets are opening around the world. Global, multilateral and bilateral trade pacts continually influence market and supply chain structures. Delivery channels are multiplying, with many removing barriers to entry. Corporates are increasingly pursuing market space, through mergers, acquisitions and alliances. “As ownership and operations spread cross borders, the complexity of tax and regulatory compliances grows exponentially. Managing this complexity goes well beyond tax and regulatory compliance planning, we believe. “The benefits of using tax to an organisation’s competitive advantage, are too important to underestimate. The ability to capitalise on low effective tax rates, whether domestically or across multiple jurisdictions, can directly impact market valuation. How tax is treated in a transaction can be critical in determining the success of a new venture. “Tax, in other words, can no longer be treated as an afterthought; it has to be an integral part of an organisations concerned with forward planning. The ability to minimise tax and maximise value, depends on ability to implement a forward-looking tax strategy. Moreover, to be successful, the speed at which ideas are put into action is critical.” In closing, Siddharth explains how the firm truly puts ideas to work. “We continually strive to look beyond the obvious and challenge conventional thought, to craft innovative tax and regulatory solutions. At the same time, we firmly believe that every idea is only as good as its effective implementation and as such, we are focused on putting ideas to work for clients.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI45

Company: Svalner Contact: Louise Korswall Email: Louise.Korswall@ svalner.se Web: www.svalner.se Address: Smålandsgatan 16, Stockholm, 111 46, Sweden Phone: 0708 55 93 96

Leading Adviser 2017 Awards: Leading Tax Adviser of the Year Sweden Svalner is an independent tax advisor with a comprehensive, integrated offering. We profiled the firm to find out more about the services they offer and explore the secrets behind its success.

valner is Sweden’s leading independent tax advisory firm, and has an integrated and comprehensive offering. The team are a group of dedicated people who all possess very high legal expertise. Staff work in small teams, close to the client, with accessibility, quality and client focus being the guiding principles.

Offering a variety of services, the firm provides independent tax advice primarily for mediumsized and large enterprises. Staff offer clients comprehensive and integrated tax advice covering all tax disciplines. The independence and integrated approach of each employee are what set the company apart from the large accounting firms. At the company, there are real estate group specialists who boast a wealth of experience of tax-related issues in the real estate sector. There are numerous tax regulations impacting on property transactions and these are changing constantly, meaning specialist knowledge is often needed on occasions throughout the life cycle of a property. The expertise of the specialists covers all stages; ranging from financing, structuring, construction projects and management through to transactions. Real estate acquisitions and sales often give rise to complex tax issues, and staff help the client throughout the entire process to ensure the most tax-efficient transaction possible. The team can also offer advice on complicated property taxation issues and on the optimum apportionment of investment costs for tax depreciation purposes. The overall aim of the firm is to adopt a general approach to client’s real estate issues, thereby helping clients to optimise their property transaction and covering all bases. • Day-to-day advice on tax law, specialising in property-owning companies • Tax due diligence in property transactions • Structuring before sale and acquisition of properties • Preparation of tax computations and income tax returns • VAT issues applying specifically to the construction and real estate sector • Property taxation

20 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

•

Advice on optimum apportionment of investment costs for tax depreciation purposes

Alongside the real estate taxation issues covered by the company, staff can also offer a day-to-day analysis of tax risks facing the clients’ business. Swedish and international corporate taxation is constantly changing, which makes it difficult and time-consuming for businesses to monitor and analyse the many changes themselves. Difficult questions are frequently arising for businesses and clients. Staff at Svalner have the answers and can give the client the advice they need. The firm identifies and anticipates the tax risks facing their business, as well as opportunities that present themselves. The aim is effective management of local and global tax costs, taking account of Swedish and international regulations. The group provide a dedicated team with cutting-edge competence and long experience of advising on complex tax issues. Employees work with corporations, groups of companies, closely-held companies and partnerships. Staff can assist clients with: • Day-to-day tax advice focusing on construction and real property companies • Advice on the acquisition and sale of companies and real property • Structuring and implementation of reorganisations focusing on real property • Group taxation • International tax structuring • Tax returns and tax compliance Svalner has extensive experience and in-depth expertise in international individual taxation. This specialist group can assist clients with: • International income taxation and wealth taxation • Application of double taxation treaties and specific Swedish tax regulations (such as the ‘expert tax’ regime and special income tax for non-residents) • Tax computations for individuals VAT regulations are complex and often difficult to apply. Short accounting periods quickly cause minor errors to have major implications. Changes in business models or business partnerships often

have consequences. Svalner has a VAT department with broad expertise and long experience in most sectors. Good VAT advice demands knowledge of the industry, since it is necessary to understand the market in which the customer operates. The team help businesses to navigate and meet their obligations in the field of VAT and other indirect taxes (including advertising tax, alcohol tax and energy taxes). The variety of issues that the firm can help clients with are listed below: • Advice on transactions and restructuring • Mapping and analysis of flows of goods and services • Reducing VAT costs • Preventative steps to improve and rationalise VAT procedures • Rationalising processes for reporting and internal control • VAT representatives for foreign enterprises Svalner’s M&A and Private Equity Group offers expert advice covering all aspects of M&A deals and fund structuring. It has ample experience of complex deals, from both the adviser and the client perspective. The range of services includes: • Fund structuring • Acquisition and exit structuring • Tax due diligence • M&A insurance • Management participation programmes and incentive programmes • Ownership issues • Portfolio company management • Day-to-day advice Svalner offers tailored, tax-optimised transfer pricing models for international companies. For instance, what is the right price to charge for services supplied by a group company in Sweden to one elsewhere? The professionals at the firm have wide-ranging experience of the highly specific tax rules involved in these cases and are able to help with: • Implementing and structuring transfer pricing principles • Preparing tailored documentation • Benchmarking • Preparing intra-group agreements • Valuing intangibles • Financial solutions and models

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI44

Company: Ross Estate Agencies Name: Jo Ward Email: sales@ rossestateagencies.co.uk Web: rossestateagencies.com Address: 16-18 Cavendish Street, Barrow-In-Furness, LA14 1SB UK Phone: +44 (0)1229 825 636

Support and Guidance Every Step of the Way Ross Estate Agencies are specialists in all aspects of estate agency including residential sales, commercial sales, mortgage services. As Leading Real Estate Adviser of the Year – UK, as part of the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards, we invited the firm’s Jo Ward to tell us about the mortgage services offered. oss Estate Agencies are a local, independent, family firm established in 1935. They are based in BarrowIn-Furness in Cumbria, North West England and has offices in Dalton and Ulverston. They provide the following services: • Sales; • Rental; • Commercial; • Value my property and; • Mortgages.

This short profile focuses on the latter, mortgage services. Choosing the right mortgage can be a daunting exercise. There are so many factors to consider including set up fees, early repayment charges and porting your existing mortgage. Our mortgage advisor looks at a range of lenders, to be able to offer you a mortgage to suit your needs. We are here to offer support and guidance every step of the way. There is no fee for your initial consultation, in fact there will only be a charge should you get a mortgage offer. Call us today to book your appointment. We always aim to provide a highquality service to our customers. However, if you encounter any problems and we are unable to resolve them you can take your complaint to an independent Ombudsman. Our advice is covered under the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/ complaints.htm).

22 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

You may be able to submit a claim through the EU Online Dispute Resolution Platform (https:// ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index. cfm?event=main.home.chooseLanguage) if you live outside the United Kingdom or if you prefer not to deal directly with the Financial Ombudsman Service.) Here is a selection of reviews about the firm’s work.

“Highly recommend Ross Estate Agencies, in particular the Dalton branch. Exactly two months from our house being valued, we had completed on the sale and moved out! Great communication along the way and a very friendly team.” Sami Richardson “Couldn’t fault Ross Estate Agencies at all when selling our home! Jo from the Dalton branch made everything seem so so easy! Jo, you are a credit to Ross’. Thank you for everything and thankyou to Ross Estate Agencies!” Amber Taylor “Martin has been fantastic sorting our mortgage, very professional but also friendly and reassuring. Excellent communication, great service! Thanks very much.” Naomi Shaw

1707AI07

Company: VEDAS SHAAKHA Name: Meenu Gupta President & CEO Email: mg@vedantar.com Web Address: www.vedantar.com

Empowering Dreams... holding your hands in India VEDAS SHAAKHA specialises in strategy, marketing and promotion in the Indian market. We were fortunate to spend time talking to President & CEO, Meenu Gupta to find out more about the company as they rejoice in winning the exclusive Leading Adviser of the Year – India award.

EDAS SHAAKHA works across multiple sectors with private foreign companies, as well as foreign associations for both their entry and sustenance in the Indian market.

President & CEO, Meenu Gupta enlightens us with the company’s approach when undertaking a new client or project, including how they ensure that the outcome meets the needs of everyone involved. “At the onset, we look at two things. Firstly, that our value system and integrity should not be compromised and secondly, that the product or project is viable. “We have turned down several clients where the outcome was expected to be of high commercial value but involved unethical means for its execution, OR we did not consider their products viable in the Indian market. “We are looking at expanding our client base through Europe and beyond, so to support this aim, we will be actively taking part in road shows from October onwards.” Meenu is full of enthusiasm when asked how it feels to be selected as the Leading Adviser of the Year – India Award. Following on from this, she is eager to share how she manages her staff to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to a productive working environment.

“...we are helping European companies to keep their growth, by expanding their presence into the Indian market.” “To win the Leading Adviser of the Year – India Award is wonderful! It feels good to see our work being recognised. It means that the company, which we set up from scratch, is on the right track! I believe in working on dreams. Each marvel that we see in the world, was once a dream in somebody´s bosom and a thought in somebody´s mind. I am working on my dream and helping others fulfil theirs, which is why the firm’s motto says, ‘empowering dreams, holding your hands in India’. “In terms of managing the company’s staff, I try to keep a marriage of values (honesty and integrity) and happiness alive in the work environment.”

Meenu then details the attributes she believes are essential to achieving success in the wider industry, plus any challenges in this vein that are coming her way. “The attributes that help us to stay successful are: honesty, perseverance and humility. Without these attributes success if any, is short lived. “In India, most industries are growing. It is in Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region, which is a bit stagnant. Hence, we are helping European companies to keep their growth, by expanding their presence into the Indian market.” In closing, Meenu reveals the challenges and opportunities she has faced during her time at the helm of VEDAS SHAAKHA, as well as her aspirations for the future. “The changing European market dynamics, particularly since the great US crash in 2007, are a constant challenge along with the declining economy in that region. We must constantly upgrade our service levels and in some cases, change our fee structure, to stay in tune with changing times. “While we have represented many foreign companies in the Indian market, we are now looking at expanding our work to helping Indian companies expand into Europe. Indian companies today manufacture good quality products, but they have not developed their brands internationally, so we would like to see Indian brands become a global force.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI49

Company: Innovation Insurance Group, LLC Name: Ty R. Sagalow CEO & Founder Email: tysagalow@innovationinsurancegroup.com Web Address: innovationinsurancegroup.com Address: 2 World Financial Center, 30FL, New York, NY 10028 USA

An intimate interview with our Expert Witness of the Year (U.S.) Innovation Insurance Group is an insurance consulting firm and insurance brokerage, founded in 2011 by the 35-year insurance executive, Ty R. Sagalow. Following the firm’s success in achieving the Leading Adviser 2017 - Leading Expert Witness of the Year – USA award, we interviewed CEO & Founder Ty R. Sagalow to discover more. irst of all, congratulations of winning the Expert of the Year award for the United States. Can you provide a short overview of Innovation Insurance Group, LLC? Thank-you, it is an honour to be given this award. Innovation Insurance Group (IIG) is a premier consulting firm to the insurance industry providing product development, InsurTech consulting and, of course, insurance coverage expert witness services.

Let’s first talk about your background? For 25 years, I held several senior roles at AIG including General Counsel, Chief Underwriting Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Innovation Officer for several divisions. I authored many of the financial lines insurance policies used in the market today and created the underwriting theories behind those policies. Following AIG, I held senior positions with Zurich N.A. and the Tower Group

“For the insurance carrier, their biggest challenge is realising that the answer to a coverage issue does not end with just reading the words in the policy.” Can you tell us what education you have had? Sure. I graduated Georgetown Law Center and hold a LLM from New York University Law School. I am also a licensed P&C broker in several states.

24 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

Interesting. Most experts work exclusively for one side or the other. Was the decision to work for both purposeful? Very much so. We feel that experts that work only for policyholders, or only for carriers, can be accused of not being objective in their evaluation of the issue in dispute. I can see how clients would prefer an expert who has worked on both sides, like you. Tell me more about the types of cases you have. Are they all coverage disputes? The vast majority are. However, a solid minority deal with issues that have nothing to do with coverage such as the liability of an insurance broker? Given your background is on the underwriting side, that’s make sense? But do you provide expert witness services on claims handling like bad faith? Absolutely. In fact, many of my coverage dispute cases have a bad faith component on which I provide an expert opinion. And, based on what you said earlier, I suppose you have taken cases both representing the broker and against the broker? Correct. As the case with insurance coverage disputes. I take cases I believe in regardless of which side the party is on.

Excellent. I can see how people who want you as an expert witness. How long have you been providing this service? We have been providing this service for approximately 59 months and have been retained 54 times during that period.

What types of policies do you specialise in? Our most common cases deal with directors and officers, professional liability or other ‘financial lines’ policies. However, we have also been retained in GL, business interruption and even farm policy forms. Clients often want to know whether the proposed expert has testified. Have you? Oh, yes. About 15 times to date, including once at trial.

Wow, that’s amazing. A new case every month! Who are your typical customers? We are retained by both policyholders and carriers, about 50/50. We are also retained by insurance brokers.

The other question we often get is whether the expert has ever held to be an expert under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules? Have you? Yes. The case can be found on my web site.

Good. In the reverse, the common other question is whether the expert has ever been the target of a Daulbert Motion. Have you ever been a target? Once. The motion failed miserably. In fact, the court was so kind in describing why I am an insurance expert that I put the decision on my web site. I am sure the other side appreciated that. Any other ‘testimonials’? Our clients have been most kind in their evaluations of us. A list of testimonials from all sizes firm around the country are on our web site. So, you practice all over the country? Yes. I have taken cases in almost every region of the country. And in both federal and state court? Sure. Let’s switch gears a bit. What are some of the most challenging issues facing carriers and policyholders in coverage disputes these days? For the insurance carrier, their biggest challenge is realising that the answer to a coverage issue does not end with just reading the words in the policy. That is where it begins. You also must make sure that that the intent and underwriting reason for the insurance provision applies to the claim at hand. Many times, an exclusion in an insurance policy does not apply to a claim, even though a simple reading of the words says it does, because the underwriting intent behind the exclusion simply doesn’t make sense to apply to the claim. Wow. So even when the words of the policy say the claim is not covered, that may not be the right answer? Correct. The words are only the beginning of the conversation. You also must evaluate the actions of the parties, the intent of the underwriter and the theory behind the exclusion or insurance provision. Okay. What’s a challenge on the policyholder side? Or put another way, what do many policyholder attorneys forget to do? The biggest mistake I see is that policyholder attorneys don’t look closely enough at the underwriting file. They will examine the claims file in detail. But the underwriting file represents the ‘deal’ that was made between the insured and the carrier. Only by reviewing the underwriting file can a policyholder attorney get a true picture of what happened? What other issues do you see these days? Many cases deal with the application of ‘looking back’ provisions such as the prior notice exclusion, warranty statements, pending and prior litigation or related wrongful act provisions. In these cases, either two claims are being compared to each other or a claim is being compared to prior knowledge. They can be very tricky and hard cases. When looking for an expert, what should people look at for? First, of course, is knowledge of the subject matter. However, not just generalised insurance knowledge but deep drive knowledge of the specific policy.

However, knowledge is only the first feature. The ability to communicate complex issues in ways a jury will understand is critical. An ability to stand up against tough cross examination is another. And, of course, I always recommend people with testimony experience and who have been retained by both policyholders and carriers. Directors are often very unknowledgeable about their D&O insurance. What advice can you give them? Get involved. Remember that D&O liability is a personal liability, not a corporate one. This means that if a person is sued as a director or officer of a company and cannot be indemnified by his corporation and does not have insurance, she must pay any defence costs, settlements and judgments out of her own pocket. So, talk to the insurance broker, and if you want to, hire an independent consultant to review the policy for you. Staying with D&Os for a second, the scariest thing for a director or officer is to get a coverage denial letter from their D&O carrier? What advice do you have for them if they do? First, Don’t Panic. Not every ‘reservation of rights’ letter is something to worry about. Some are, however. I wrote an interesting article on this issue called ‘Top Ten Steps When Faced With a D&O Denial Letter’ that can be found on my website. INSURTECH CONSULTING I know this interview is supposed to be about your expert witness work. But, I can’t help be curious about the InsurTech consulting practice? What is InsurTech? Historically, InsurTech refers to an industry which combines technology and insurance to lower costs and create efficiencies. In 2016, investors poured US $1.7bn into new InsurTech. But that’s the boring part. What I most enjoy doing is helping clients create whole new insurance business models or partnerships.

Up until recently, you were the Chief Insurance Officer for a new InsurTech company called Lemonade, right? Can you tell us about it? Sure. I am a founding member of Lemonade. It is a regulated and license insurance company built on artificial intelligence and behavioural economics. Lemonade sells homeowners insurance thorough your phone and on the web. That’s amazing! How many licensed InsurTech insurance carriers are there in the United States? Now, Lemonade is the only one. Where is Lemonade Insurance Company licensed? New York, Illinois and California but we have plans to be available to almost everyone in the U.S in the next few months. Then comes international. As a founding member and former Chief Insurance Officer of Lemoande, are you available to help other InsurTech companies try to reach Lemonade’s success? Absolutely, and I am already in discussions with some of the potential Lemonades of tomorrow. It is what I enjoy most doing. Ty, I have enjoyed interviewing you. This has been enlightening. Where can people go to find out more about you? Our web site is www.innovationinsurancegroup. com. Our expert witness services including a list of clients and several testimonials can be found at innovationinsurancegroup.com/our-services/ expert-witness-services/. Thank-you Ty for spending time with us. It was my pleasure, and thank you for this very impressive award.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1707AI07

Company: BB Housefinding SL (homes-abroad.net) Name: Christian Boesen Email: info@homes-abroad.net Web Address: www.homes-abroad.net Address: C/ Begonia 24, Valencia, 46183, Spain Telephone: (+34) 609 97 72 62

Doing Things, a Little Bit Differently BB Housefinding SL (homes-abroad.net) provides advice and represents their clients in the process of the purchase or sale of properties across Spain. We interviewed Managing Partner, Christian Boesen to celebrate their success as the exclusive winner of the prestigious Leading Real Estate Adviser of the Year – Spain, as part of the Leading Adviser of the Year Awards 2017.

B Housefinding SL works as a buyer’s broker and cover the Mediterranean coast of Spain, from the north to south, encompassing all its islands. They work with clients from Scandinavia, UK, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. The firm also has local branches along the coast and spends much of their time, effort and money in fairs all over Europe.

Managing Partner at Homes-Abroad.net, Christian Boesen reveals the firm’s approach when undertaking a new project and ensuring that the needs of the client are always met. He also tells us about the state of the industry today and how to be successful within that.

“We have been here since 2005 and have met many challenges – we always see opportunities in doing things a little bit differently from the rest.” “We put a lot of effort into finding out exactly what our clients are looking for, so we can then scan the market and find suitable properties that meet their needs. We also invest much of our time in 26 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

strengthening our platform, with the 40,000 selected properties on our website. Our IT team ensure that we always are on top, in terms of google searches. “In terms of the wider industry perspective, I would say that many new players are now entering the market due to the increased demand for suitable properties. In our view, the essential attributes for achieving success in this industry are effective IT, local knowledge and a huge marketing budget.” In closing, Christian highlights the challenges in future, what is on the horizon and the essential role that staff play in the firm’s success. “We have been here since 2005 and have met many challenges – we always see opportunities in doing things a little bit differently from the rest. “We have recently launched a share concept, where 18 families can share six luxury properties in Spain. This is so they can get much more actual property for their money. New areas like Valencia and Almeria are booming. “All my employees are experts in their respective fields and have a huge amount of selfresponsiveness. I strive to let them make their own decisions in the work they do.”

1105AI54

Company: Lennox Paton Name: Michael Paton Email: info@lennoxpaton.com Web Address: www.lennoxpaton.com Address: Bahamas - Main Office, 3 Bayside Executive Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, PO Box N-4875, Nassau, The Bahamas Telephone: +1 (242) 502 5000

Only the Best, Nothing Less Lennox Paton is a leading offshore commercial law firm with offices in The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, and London. We interviewed Michael Paton to find out more, after the firm achieved the special status of the Leading Tax Adviser of the Year, the Bahamas award. ennox Paton is widely recognised for its expertise, professionalism, responsiveness and commitment to excellence. They have a team of multifaceted lawyers whose diverse backgrounds and talents contribute valuable knowledge, experience and creativity to the firm and its clients. Michael Paton explains more about the firm’s seasoned expertise and their ethos when it comes to client commitment and providing a quality service.

“The firm’s thorough knowledge of the business and legal environment enables it to attend professionally and effectively to its client’s affairs. Lawyers in the firm are frequent contributors to various professional journals, speakers at conferences and seminars, members of government and industry appointed task forces, committees and statutory bodies and are published authors. The firm represents numerous financial institutions, both domestic and international, which complements the firm’s large and diversified private client practice. “In terms of client commitment, Lennox Paton is committed to providing clear, practical and resultorientated legal services of the highest calibre. Clients can rely on the acumen, expertise and professionalism that will be brought to every engagement. The firm understands its clients’ need for practical legal advice. We ensure that the communication channels between client and lawyer are effective and clear. We are not only committed to advising clients on the legal aspects of their matters, but also to assisting in the development and implementation of strategies, to meet client objectives beyond the legal advice. “Also, our mission is to provide value to every client. Quality professional advice is of paramount importance to the firm and we recognise that clients expect no less. The firm endeavours to provide the very best professional advice available. Accordingly, we invest heavily in our resources, training and technology.” Confidentiality is the cornerstone of legal service relationships, especially in the offshore financial services realm Michael tells us. He goes on to expand this point, before adding his thoughts on firm’s role in the wider community. “In regards to confidentiality, this is the central focus of the firm’s relationship with clients. This is not merely a legal requirement, but a principle and philosophy of the firm shared by all lawyers and support staff. “Lennox Paton is pleased to support the following charities and worthwhile causes: The Gentleman’s Club; The Crippled Children’s Committee; The Royal Bahamas Police Force; Abilities Unlimited; Cancer Society of the Bahamas; The Foundation of Triathletes; Registry Welfare Fund; Junior Baseball

League of Nassau; The Kiwanis Club of Nassau; The Sandilands Home for Geriatrics; The National Trust; Rotary International; The Salvation Army and Women’s Holistic Empowerment & Development Organisation.” Practice areas In closing, Michael is eager to reveal two aspects of the firm’s work, banking and finance, as well as litigation. You can read more about the firm’s many practice areas on their website, at: www.lennoxpaton.com/practice-areas. “The firm’s banking and finance group represents and assists clients in all areas of regulation for financial institutions in The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands, including advice in relation to the establishment and operation of banks and trust companies, broker-dealers, securities investment advisers, insurance companies, investment fund administrators, and financial and corporate service providers. The group also advises governmental and institutional clients in relation to a wide range of financial products and instruments, including: bonds; certificates of deposit; debentures; derivatives; notes; rights issue; securitization and shares. “The litigation and dispute resolution group at Lennox Paton specialises in chancery and commercial litigation and disputes. The Litigation Group is focused on providing practical solutions to complex problems. Clients benefit from the firm’s vast experience in complex commercial litigation. By reason of our recognised ‘proactive and responsive’ service, the team is consistently recommended by Chambers Global. Members of the team appear regularly at First Instance, Court of Appeal and Privy Council level. The team has been involved at all levels in some of the largest offshore cases in recent times. “The depth and experience of our team of lawyers and paralegals, including a presence in London, enables the firm to lead and co-ordinate complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. We have long standing working relationships with many of the international law and other leading firms in offshore jurisdictions, in which we do not have a presence. Equally, our specialisation, flexibility and focused approach allows us to tailor our services to suit the individual clients’ needs. The same expertise that we bring to the large cases is applied to the benefit of all clients, regardless of the size of the matter. “My final point is that members of the firm’s litigation group have appeared on behalf of a broad range of clients, including bank and trust companies, foreign governments, government agencies, multinational corporations and financial institutions, as well as private clients, domestic companies and individuals. Also, please feel free to contact us to find out more and what we can do for you.” Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI42

Maple Your total business partner

Company: Maple Accountancy Group LTD Name: Jennifer Priestley Email: Jennifer.Priestley@ MapleAC.UK Web Address: www.maple.uk.com Address: 83 Friar Gate Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 1FL Telephone: +44 (0)1332 207 336

Your Total Business Partner Maple accountancy is a multi-disciplined powerhouse, with a wealth of diverse experience in helping owner-manged businesses achieve their goals, plus a trustworthy precise manner to create success. We took the opportunity to interview Jennifer Priestley - to find out her thoughts on winning the Leading Tax Adviser of the Year – UK award - and to discover how the company provides a bespoke service to their clients.

aple Accountancy offers bespoke accountancy services, tax and business advice to businesses. They have experts in all areas of tax - to provide a complete set of services to a wide variety of clients - across a range of industries including:

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Corporate tax planning & compliance; Structuring for holding and financing structures; Incorporation of all collective investment vehicles; M&A tax advisory; Due diligence; Indirect tax advice and planning; Compliance for high level expatriates; Remuneration planning; Estate planning; Asset protection; Assistance with tax investigations; Mediation and second opinions and; They have dedicated experts specialising in different fields.

Jennifer Priestley assists in all areas of a client’s business to ensure that they remain successful. Although some can be quite subtle, most of her interaction with clients’ impacts on their taxation situation. Jennifer begins the interview by sharing with us how it feels to have won the Leading Tax Adviser of the Year – UK award in her own words plus she 28 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

explains the important behind the scenes work tax advisors do. “We were pleasantly surprised but feel it is well deserved. We are extremely proud to be the winners of this award in a very strong field of contenders. For our company, we feel that this validates our values and culture as an organisation, so this success is reflective of our whole team.” “We are the first point of contact when the client has any professional issue. We have experts in all areas, either in house or external, that clients can trust to take care of their issues. We offer a bespoke, positive and unique service to our clients. We are valued partners in our client’s business and try help our them achieve their goals and visions. “We try to always be available to offer expert advice especially when reassurance and a second opinion is needed. We aim to be proactive and professional, giving no nonsense straight to the point advice, with no vagueness or sugar coating of the answer. With our continued innovation and growth, we have a level of client retention and growth that is unparalleled in our industry.” Jennifer is keen to add additional detail about the company’s tax expertise and what they can offer potential future clients. “We help clients maximise all the opportunities presented to them, whilst ensuring that they maintain their regulatory responsibilities. By

using our bespoke services, clients can build on their achievements, to succeed in realising the full potential of the business. When we begin a partnership with them, we foster trust and grow this into a prosperous relationship, which is mutually beneficial to all parties. “Our aim is to create success, by utilising our technical and commercial expertise, coupled with our fresh thinking and innovative approach. This is a partnership, but it is also our passion and promise. “We measure our performance on our client’s success. The company’s main function is helping our clients to both create and preserve wealth. We work hard to give our clients a three-dimensional view of their business - the key to achieving this is by having strong relationships with them - so that we get to know the stakeholders as individuals and not solely the business.” Remaining on clients, Jennifer goes into more detail on the clients they serve and how the company approaches them. “We have a diverse portfolio of clients, from small businesses to multi mullion turnover clients. Having seen how clients are treated by other accountants, our ethos is to try to give all clients the same level of care, no matter what size their company is. We are trusted to manage the business and financial affairs of many different companies and individuals “Across the UK, we need entrepreneurs as these are the individuals that bring innovative new solutions to the marketplace and create opportunities for themselves as well as others. So, we are proud of our involvement in assisting entrepreneurs to do this. “Offering a wide range of services at Maple, the team here work hard to offer a tailored service that meets the varied needs of our clients. Using technical and commercial expertise, along with fresh thinking, the company helps businesses of all sizes including start-ups and established companies to achieve sustainable growth.” About people, Jennifer is keen to underline the vital role of the firm’s staff in the success of the company and finally, the challenges they face in the future. “We are one big team at Maple, therefore no single person is responsible for this award. We grow and develop as a team. There have been new members of the team, along with those that have departed. The important thing is that our ethos, vision and culture have remained consistent. Both the positivity of our people and the progressive team culture we have here, ensure that we provide a solid base for our team to achieve their desired goals and to meet their personal aspirations. “HMRC have announced the making tax digital initiative, that will see a seismic shift to the accounting landscape. We need to make sure that our clients, both current and potential, are aware of the changes that will impact on their businesses. So, we must help them to ensure that this does not provide an additional burden on their already precious resources.”

Client testimonials Rebecca Cadman-Jones, managing director of KC Jones Conference & Events: “Maple has looked after my business for the last 10 years. They offer a great service and answer my queries efficiently and effectively within a short time frame. They have assisted me with understanding the complexities of corporation tax, NI and VAT for my business and my personal liabilities. For accountants, they are all very human; and this makes a refreshing change and a pleasure to do business with them!” Kim Morgan, managing director at Barefoot Coaching: “Barefoot Coaching chose to work with Maple some years ago as we had heard such great things about them. We haven’t looked back since we made that decision. Maple delivers on all the following: • • • • • • • •

Prompt and efficient service; Expertise in all tax and finance matters; Ability to communicate complex financial matters in plain English; Provision of accounting/bookkeeping staff; A true partnership approach to working; it feels as though Maple is our FD; Challenge and support to grow the business; A coaching/mentoring approach with clients and Passion, expertise and attention to detail always

“They continue to surpass our expectations and play a significant part in the growth and success of our business.” “We are 100% delighted with the service - Maple works in partnership with us so that it feels like they are part of our business Maple is so much more than an accountancy practice – it provides business development and future planning, mentoring and coaching Working with Maple has transformed my business and my attitude to my business.” “I started using Maple during an acrimonious shareholder dispute. Maple provided support and guidance through a very difficult period in our company’s history. Today, Maple provides excellent service, advice and support enabling us to grow and return to profitability. I have no hesitation in recommending Maple to my friends, colleagues and business acquaintances” “I would like to say how pleased we are with the very prompt and efficient service that we always receive from Maple. I particularly look forward to my annual meeting to review our annual accounts. I find their advice invaluable and she has an excellent understanding of my business” “I have always been an extremely satisfied client of Maple, I always get straight forward help and advice on what I need to do, and if I’m ever struggling or confused with certain things, Maple will always help me in a friendly down to earth attitude rather than making me feel awkward! I believe this is what service you want as a client from an accountant company as it can be difficult to understand tax, VAT, payroll etc., if this is something you do not deal with. I would recommend Maple to someone who needed an accountant.” “Being a relatively new client of Maple, I have been extremely impressed by the friendly approach of their staff and the simplicity of their business terms. No jargon, no hidden surprises and no unnecessary expenditure – just the help, advice and service that I needed to take my business forward. I’ve since been equally impressed by the speed and efficiency in which they have carried out the work I initially instructed them. I was kept informed of progress from day 1 and documentation was provided within 1 business day. I would highly recommend Maple to new and established businesses alike.” “Maple have been the corner stone of our business; we would not be in the position we are today without them. Having a sounding board for our business direction and structure has been invaluable. Maple has been as flexible as we needed, increasing service with the growth of our business and then revaluating on a regular basis. Their ability to help on all aspects of accounting, tax and company law, means we have a one stop shop for all our needs. Maple has been a breath of fresh air, giving open and honest opinions for the growth and development of the company. No matter how tough these decisions may be she has been there every step of the way.” “We’ve used Maple for several years now, each year extending the range of services we utilise. More and more the team at Maple are becoming an increasingly integral part of our team, allowing us to concentrate on our core business. Initially, Maple could save us a considerable amount of money, which we have benefitted from year on year. As they have grown to understand our business, the advice and services supplied have grown too. Maple’s experience in business, and not just accountancy, has been valued in our decision making over the last few years enabling us to see out the recession and grow our business on a much more stable and solid platform” Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI66

Company: ZIFFREN BRITTENHAM LLP Name: John Branca Email: MichelleN@ ZiffrenLaw.com Web: ziffrenlaw.com Address: 1801 Century Park West Los Angeles, CA 90067 USA Phone: +1 (310) 552 6519

The Number One Music Publishing Lawyer in USA John Branca is a partner and head of the music department at Ziffren Brittenham LLP, the largest entertainment law firm in the world. He is also a proud winner of the Leading Adviser of the Year 2017 – USA award. We invited him to profile his remarkable work as the number one music publishing lawyer in USA.

ounded in 1978, Ziffren Brittenham LLP specialises in negotiating, structuring and executing transactions in the entertainment and media industries, as well as providing strategic planning and consulting services. Ziffren Brittenham has long been considered the premier firm in its field and a leader in understanding and managing the rapidly evolving dynamics in the media and entertainment industries.

The firm’s practice encompasses all facets of the industry and represents many talented and successful motion picture, television, sports, live stage, digital, literary and music artists, as well as financiers, production companies and programming services. Named Attorney of the Year 2016 by Billboard magazine, John Branca is recognised as one of the nation’s preeminent music industry entertainment and corporate attorneys. He also serves as coexecutor of The Estate of Michael Jackson, jointly managing what the CBS news magazine ‘60 Minutes’, described as “the most remarkable financial and image resurrection in pop culture history.” Over the last 35 years, Branca has represented an unprecedented 30 inductees into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, earning a reputation for negotiating ground-breaking recording, touring and publishing deals on behalf of artists. Several of Branca’s deals have set the template for the music industry. In addition, Branca has helped artists make significant gains in their efforts to reclaim copyrights and secure royalties, representing The Beach Boys, The Doors, John Fogerty, Don Henley and others. He was called “the number one music publishing lawyer in the country” by Sony/ATV Chairman Martin Bandier. Branca also structured the sale of some of music’s most endearing publishing companies and song catalogues. A major part of Branca’s practice involves serving as a corporate, business and strategic advisor to companies and investors in the music industry. Branca has also served as an advisor about the acquisition and sale of major music companies and assets.

30 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

As the head of the music department at Ziffren Brittenham, Branca’s clients include Simon Cowell, Barry Gibb, The Bee Gees, Rick Rubin, Enrique Iglesias and Carlos Santana. He also oversees a team that works with Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Blake Shelton and Selena Gomez, among others. “We’re very involved as business and strategic advisers with our clients - to help them maximise their income - establish a business plan and help grow it,” says Branca. It was Branca who encouraged a young Michael Jackson to buy ATV Music in 1985, then a 4,000song collection that controlled the rights to the Lennon-McCartney catalogue, as well as songs by Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Little Richard and The Rolling Stones among others. Paul McCartney could have taken ownership of his songs, but deemed the price of $47.5 million too steep. Jackson and Branca did not. They were right. Jackson put up $15 million and borrowed the balance of $32.5 million. When Sony and ATV merged in 1995, Jackson received $110 million for his 50% stake in the new entity, more than doubling his initial investment then. In 2016, Michael’s remaining stake in Sony/ATV was acquired from his estate by Sony for $750 million, making headlines around the world as the biggest deal in record business history and creating a seven-time return for Jackson. And that’s not counting the steady annual pay-outs that totalled nearly $400 million. “Michael’s return on the Sony/ ATV investment,” says Branca, “averaged more than 30% per annum from inception in 1985 to sale.” Additionally, Branca specialises in artist re-branding and has helped numerous artists extend and expand their careers through corporate sponsorships, cross-platform projects, demographic outreach and business and investment planning. As co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate, Mr. Branca has introduced Michael Jackson to a new generation of fans and an expanded demographic base through the release of ‘This is It’, the biggestgrossing concert film in history; two Cirque du Soleil shows, including ‘IMMORTAL’ and a permanent

Las Vegas production “One.”, which went on a 27 country, 157 cities two-year world tour and a bestselling Ubisoft dance game. He also rekindled a long-standing relationship between Jackson and Pepsico, accentuating Jackson’s re-emergence as an attractive corporate spokesperson. He also represents the estates of Jim Morrison, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Elvis Presley and others. He was co-manager of the Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reunion Tour and represented Carlos Santana in House of Blues residency deal in Las Vegas. He serves as co-counsel to Justin Timberlake. Branca is a graduate of Occidental College, where he serves as a trustee and UCLA Law School. He is an active fundraiser for the UCLA Athletic Department, serving on the Executive Committee of the Pauley Pavilion Renovation Campaign. He also serves on the board of the Grammy Museum, and supports numerous charitable organisations. Branca’s honours include being named in every issue of Best Lawyers in America, The Hollywood Reporter’s annual ‘Power Lawyer’ list, and Billboard’s annual ‘Power 100.’ Branca is chairman emeritus of MusiCares, where he was honoured by The GRAMMY Foundation with its 2012 Service Award for his work with the organisation. He was named alumnus of the year by each of Los Angeles City College, Occidental College and the UCLA Law School. The firm’s clients live in a creative world, so by necessity they combine an intuitive approach with experience, knowledge and analytics to create the best outcome for their careers, both long term and short term. Finally, John Branca is proud to have this work and the work of Ziffren Brittenham LLP recognised, with the prestigious award for Leading Adviser of the Year 2017 – USA.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI67

Company: NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte Name: Dr. Volker Knies Email: knies@nesselhauf.com Web: www.nesselhauf.com Address: Alsterchaussee 40 20149 Hamburg, Germany Phone: + 49 40 411 88 123

The Secrets of a Good Client-Lawyer Relationship NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte is an IP/IT and media boutique law firm, founded in 2008 in Hamburg, Germany. We enjoyed an interview with the founding partner of NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte, Dr. Volker Knies to celebrate his success in achieving the Leading Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year – Germany award.

ESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte offers a wide range of high specialised IP services to their clients. The firm particularly advises and support their clients regarding the administration, defence and optimisation of their IP rights. In cases abroad, the firm works together with colleagues from around the world, with whom they have long standing relationships with.

Founding partner of NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte, Dr. Volker Knies shares his reflections on being selected as Leading Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year - Germany plus his own role in the company as a specialist in the field. “Being selected as the Leading Intellectual Property Practitioner of the Year – Germany means a lot to me and makes me very proud indeed. The selection is an appreciation of our work, not only for my part, but also for the whole IP Team from NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte. “The selection confirmed to me that it was the absolute right decision in 2007/2008 to leave a full-service law firm and to establish a boutique law firm, with a focus solely on IP/IT and media law matters, using highly specialised lawyers. As we are devoted to maximise the value of our clients IP assets, we recognise that our success is best evaluated by their success. Dr. Knies is one of the founding partners and the heads up NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte’s intellectual property department, more of which he goes on to detail. He is also keen to tell us about the firm’s specific areas of expertise and what the firm can offer to potential clients. “For more than 20 years, I have specialised in intellectual property, particularly trademark law, unfair competition law and any kind of agreements related to IP matters and trademark license agreements. “We only employ extremely qualified and experienced lawyers for IP/IT and media law matters. Regarding the latter one, particularly press law, our law firm named giving partner Michael Nesselhauf as one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in this area for many years in Germany.

32 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“Our media law partners, Dr. Stephanie Vendt and Till Dunckel, both represent many very well-known individuals: football players from the German national team, politicians and well-known names in entertainment as well as enterprises.” Dr. Knies then underlines the important behind the scenes work that advisors carry out, the extent to which they contribute massively to a company’s success and the vital role of team work at NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte. “Our team conducts detailed research before starting on a new case. As we work in team units, we examine each case from all aspects, trying to find the best individual result. We continuously improve our knowledge and always stay up-to-date with the latest knowledge in the German and European jurisdictions. In our experience, good responsiveness and quick reactions, are the most important when it comes to any client-lawyer relationship. “All of our advisors are playing a significant role in the success of the legal operations of a client. A strong network of IT specialists, accountants, translators, trademark watch and search companies contribute massively to our company’s success. We also rely very much upon our multi-professional internal resources; indeed, we know that for some legal issues, local or international expertise might just be required. “As a worldwide network of highly specialised lawyers and boutique law firms, we work together, a factor which I believe can be attributed to our success. All external parties are carefully selected, so that both NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte and the client, can benefit from any inputs given. We know that we achieve more when working together as a team, which I believe is crucial to our success.” Dr. Knies brings the interview to a close by offering his insights into the nature of clients the firm serves, plus the vital role that staff play in the success of NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte. “Our clients are national and international companies in various sectors including publishing houses, clothing and lifestyle, as well as private clients including politicians, famous sports persons, actors, singers etc. We know and advise most of our clients for many years and our clients highly appreciate our personal services.

“Many clients have exclusively and continuously use our services for ten years or more (in the former law firm in which I started my career). We have been approached by our clients in several ways. Some clients mandate us directly, because of the reputation of our services. For example - by means of awards and publications such as AI magazine - and other have been referred to us by existing clients. “Finally, I would like to highlight that the staff are the backbone of the success of NESSELHAUF Rechtsanwälte. Our law firm employs a highly specialised back office team, who ensure that each client is satisfied. By ensuring the advanced training of our staff, we improve continuously and operates efficiently as a unit. “The staff also communicate every step of the way to the client, thus providing them with accurate information and the status of the legal case concerned. Furthermore, some of our staff are at the very least bilingual, while some are multilingual and can therefore operate on an international level.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI98

The Difference Between Listing and Selling Your Business Company: VR Lakes Business Group Inc. Name: Destiny Wallen Email: destiny@vrbizlakes.com Web: lakesbusinessgroup.com Address: W229 N1433 Westwood Drive #106 Waukesha, WI 53186 Phone: +1 262 347 2083

What’s the difference between listing your business and selling your business? The difference is Lakes Business Group, Inc. As winner of the Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Adviser of the Year – USA award, we spoke to the firm’s Destiny Wallen to discover more about the firm’s valued work in the field.

ince 2008, Lakes Business Group, Inc. (LBG) incorporates the large public stock investment banking mentality to the lower middle market client. The firm’s clients are typically owners of businesses which are valued between one and 20 million.

“This is our sweet spot. LBG incorporates state of the art technology and critical path approach target marketing which provides local representation with a global reach to an engagement, helping leverage value up – getting the most money for your business.

Historically, the firm’s clients have been underserved as too small or too expensive to support by the boutique investment banking firms. The firm specialises in the following areas: • Agribusiness • Chemical • Consumer/Retail Goods • Industrial/Manufacturing • Transportation • Technology • Health Care • Service Sector

“Lakes Business Group, Inc. is an advisory services firm with offices located in Wisconsin and operating throughout the Midwest and the world. Focused on the full or partial sale, divestitures or mergers of middle-market businesses in niche markets, LBG specialises in assisting management buyouts, business reconstruction, divestitures, value maximisation of sales transactions and the end-toend evaluation of a specific clients’ needs.

The firm’s Destiny Wallen explains more about the firm’s work and her thoughts on winning the Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Adviser of the Year – USA accolade.

“Our strong team of unique backgrounds provides us an opportunity to provide our clients with an unparalleled skill set to work in their best interest to reach their goals. The important behind the scenes work that our advisers carry out are market research; due diligence; qualifying and vetting of buyers and negotiations as well as deal structures.”

34 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“We are honoured to be selected as the Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Adviser of the Year – USA We are excited to continue to work hard and strive to please our clients both now and in the future.” The firm’s Tim Bullard, CEO, and Partner, Mark Smith are both former business owners and know first-hand the challenges that face a privately held business. Destiny then details the team’s uncompromised commitment to their clients’ confidentiality and the crucial role that staff play in the success of this firm. “Having an exit strategy is something every business owner should consider whether you are months or years away from selling. Our team’s uncompromised commitment to our clients’ confidentiality and the most technologically advanced assessment/marketing methods available today provide our clients with a level of success unequalled in the business transfer industry. “Our strong team of unique backgrounds provides us an opportunity to provide our clients with an unparalleled skill set to work in their best interest to reach their goals. The important behind the scenes work that our advisers carry out are - market research; due diligence; qualifying and vetting of buyers and negotiations as well as deal structures.”

When Selling Your Business, How do you get Top Dollar?

Lakes Business Group gets You Top Dollar by • • • • • •

Having experts in your corner Exploiting growth opportunities to a buyer Understanding your business valuation Implementing creative deal structures Negotiating tax structure benefits in your favor Leveraging top dollar

CONTACT THE LEADING M&A ADVISORS TODAY FOR YOUR EXIT STRATEGY PLANNING!

https://lakesbusinessgroup.com/ Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI32

Company: Renaissance Personnel Ltd Name: Dennis Mawadzi Managing Director Email: Dennis@ renaissancepersonnel.co.uk Web: www. renaissancepersonnel.co.uk Address: Unity House, 87 Fortress Road Kentish Town, London NW5 1AG UK Phone: +44 (0)844 848 1411, +44 (0)207 284 9580

Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well-Led Renaissance Personnel Ltd is a well-established, multiple-award winning specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Business and Employment Agency. As the receiver of the Leading Recruitment Consultant of the Year – UK accolade, we caught up with the company’s Managing Director Dennis Mawadzi to learn more about their strong reputation in the health and social care sector. enaissance Personnel Ltd is a wellestablished, multiple-award winning specialist health and social care recruitment business and employment agency. Established in 2002, Renaissance Personnel Ltd has become a house hold name in the health and social care sector. To operate as a successful business, the company has not only adhered to the sector regulations, they have gone beyond the minimum standards and has been recognised by independent organisations.

On winning the Leading Advisor 2017 Awards Leading Recruitment Consultant of the Year – UK, Dennis Mawadzi reveals more in his own words.

Since 2010, Renaissance Personnel Ltd has achieved eight prestigious awards listed below: • 2017: Business Excellence Award Winner Healthcare Recruitment Agency of the YearUK; • 2017: Most Innovative Employment & Recruitment Agency - London & South East London; • 2012: Small Business of the award; • 2011: Company of the Year award; • 2011: Sunday Times Best Small Company; • 2011: Best Companies 3 Star; • 2011: Great British Care Home Care Awards (National Finalist) and; • 2010: Great British Care Employer (Greater London).

“The team at Renaissance Personnel Ltd has made it possible for the company to achieve a sustainable turnaround regardless of the harshest recession in recent decades. The company prides itself in being able to provide 24/7 service with the ability to fill all vacancies within agreed timescales.

“The company has also diversified into the provision of direct home care services for people with both general and complex nursing and care needs. The recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) indicates that the service offered by Renaissance Personnel Ltd are safe, effective, responsive and well-led.

“Every award attained is an honour to everyone at Renaissance Personnel Ltd. The team here includes ancillary staff, carers, nurses, doctors, mentors, advisors, colleagues, friends and family who make it possible for the outstanding works to continue. Everyone’s contribution to the success of the business matters immensely.” Dennis then reveals what his own role in the company as a Managing Director and the specific areas he specialises in. “Every commercial aeroplane needs at least a captain and a co-pilot to ensure safety. This analogy is exemplified by how the senior management works together and rely on co-workers to achieve a reliable consultancy service. The leadership by myself and Operations Director Melissa Mawadzi has made it possible for the team to excel from strength to strength. We both have a wealth of experience in effectively setting up and running profitable businesses, and are well respected for our dedication to excellence. Consultancy forms an integral part of the service we provide. “If anyone needs care for their loved one, they can depend on Renaissance Personnel Ltd for a personable service. We have exceptionally trained care workers, specialist nurses, care managers and care coordinators available 24/7 to offer a whole range of individualised services to clients.”

36 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

Dennis is very keen to tell us about the vital behind the scenes work consultants carry out plus the extent to which they contribute to Renaissance Personnel Ltd.’s success. “The work environment at Renaissance Personnel Ltd is always buzzing. As part of offering recruitment and employment consultancy services, the company’s recruiters advertise on social media, leaflets, recruitment fairs and they undertake detailed CV searches and analyses to winnow the appropriate candidates. “By the time a candidate is deemed ready for work, the team will have undertaken rigorous suitability checks which includes: pre-employment tests; qualification and experience checks; professional body membership checks; right to work checks; personal identity checks and fitness to work checks. While the work of consultants is never ending, the company encourages a fair balance between work and social life and encourages team members to leave on time to remain productive. “Consultants have a day to day responsibility for the management of candidates and client’s relationships. The company depends primarily on the expertise of recruitment consultants. They look for the jobs and match with the right professionals to suit the unique needs of the clients.” Dennis then draws our attention to the type of clients the company serves and how they are approached, plus about people, the part that his own staff play in the company’s success. “Renaissance Personnel Ltd is an approved and preferred suppliers list for the local authorities and the NHS. Services are also provided to the independent hospitals, care homes as well as to people in their private homes. “The company has a dedicated tender writing team plus a sales and marketing team to search and maintain contracts. A sizeable number of their clients come from word-of-mouth referrals from delighted clients. “I believe that consultants and managers at Renaissance Personnel Ltd are the lifeblood of the company. They form a major part of the company’s critical success factors and bespoke training they get gives the company an immeasurable competitive edge.” Dennis offers his final pearl of wisdom, concerning the company’s exciting plans. “The company aims to consolidate their client base by ensuring that the service is delivered by staff trained to Renaissance Personnel Ltd standards. The company will continue to grow steadily and ensure that innovation becomes its unique selling point. Due to overwhelming demands from competitors, the company will expand their business to business supply of candidate.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1704AI41

Banking on Success Company: The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (“ICD”) Email: icd-bdpd@isdb.org Website: www.icd-ps.org Address: P.O. Box 54069 Jeddah 21514, KSA Phone: (966-12) 6361400 (966-12) 6441644 Fax: (966-12) 644 4427

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (“ICD”) is a multilateral development financial institution and a subsidiary of the Islamic Development Bank (“IDB”) Group. Established in 1999, ICD currently has an authorized capital of USD 4 billion and a membership of 53 countries. ICD supports the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects as well as advisory services to governments and businesses. Currently, the shareholders of ICD are the IDB, 53 Islamic countries and 5 public financial institutions. ICD is rated ‘AA/ FQ ’ by Fitch, ‘Aa3/P-1’ by Moody’s, and ‘A+ by Standard & Poor’s. andate and Objectives The mandate of ICD is to complement the role played by IDB and national financing institutions of member countries. This is achieved through the provision of Islamic financial services and products to private sector projects in accordance with the principles of Sharia’a. ICD’s mandate also includes promoting competition and entrepreneurship in member countries, and encouraging cross border investments. In addition, ICD provides consultancy services to governments and private sector institutions in order to encourage the establishment, the expansion and the modernization of private sector enterprises, the development of capital markets, the adoption of best management practices and the enhancement of the role of market economy.

ICD’s primary focus is the financing of developmental projects which contribute to the creation of employment opportunities and the encouragement of exports. To achieve these objectives, ICD creates and develops collaborative partnerships to arrange co-financing and syndicated financing services. ICD’s Strategic Orientation ICD is focusing on the development of what is called “Islamic Finance Channels”, designed to widen the reach of Islamic financial products and services with the objective of contributing significantly to the developmental goals of member countries. This will be achieved substantially through the setting up of Islamic Banks, Investment and Ijarah Companies, Takaful and Re Takaful companies in member countries. ICD is pioneering many aspects of Islamic finance and sees its role as being a powerful vehicle for economic and social growth, and overall prosperity. ICD’s Activities ICD started its operations in July 2000 and has financed projects in agriculture, construction, education, finance, fishing, health care & pharmaceutical, oil & gas, real estate, technology, telecoms, trading, transportation, power generation and has made investments in over 30 member countries. ICD’s activities are centred on four strategic focus areas: • Developing Islamic financial channels in order to create multiplier impact.

38 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

•

Providing advisory services for establishing Islamic finance windows and converting conventional financial institutes into Islamic organizations. Providing finance for investments in high impact sectors and helping governments by providing advisory services in privatization, Sukuk issuance, and structuring project finance deals. Improving its partnership with IDB Group and other MDBs and heavily leverage internal and external partners to go beyond its own resources.

ICD Products and Services 1- Long and Short-term Financing ICD finances private sector entities and greenfield or expansion projects directly through equity participation, the purchase of assignable bonds and term financing. ICD also extends short-term finance to cover working capital and/or raw materials requirements of private sector entities through Murabaha or Purchase and Leaseback for a tenor of up to 24 months. ICD can also play a role in mobilizing resources for financing a project through co-financing or syndication. 2- Developing Islamic Financial Institutions and Extending Lines of Finance. ICD strives to nurture and empower identified channel partners, by setting up or aiding existing development banks in driving development and growth in the Islamic world. This vertically leverages two key instruments in order to extend financial aid: Institutional Equities and Lines of Finance. 3- Advisory Services ICD provides a wide variety of advisory services to governments, public entities and private entities of member countries with an aim to create the ideal environment to facilitate private sector investment and also to assist companies in achieving their potential. The range of services include assessing the business environment of member countries, plus project finance advisory, raising funds though the issue of Sukuk, development of Islamic capital markets and encouraging the development of the business environment for SMEs.

4- Asset Management Services ICD supplements its own balance sheet by sponsoring / creating private equity funds as well as other special purpose vehicles in order to provide the IDB Group and other investors with access to projects that provide commercial returns as well as meet the developmental needs of member countries. ICD acts as a fund manager and/or general partner with other fund managers to sponsor and create special purpose vehicles along with third party investors including but not limited to IDB and ICD; other Multilateral Agencies; Sovereign Wealth Funds; Government Funding Vehicles and High Net Worth Individuals.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1704AI22

Company: Daniela Languages Ltd Name: Daniela Kendrew Email: info@dlanguages.co.uk Web: www.dlanguages.co.uk Address: 9 Sweet Briar Green Edmonton, London, N9 9NJ UK Phone: +44 (0)20 8803 7804

High Quality Translations Every Time Daniela Languages Ltd is an integrated, multilingual language solution. As part of our popular and ongoing Prominent Women in Business series of special features, we turn the spot light into this firm’s impressive body of work.

he firm Daniela Languages Ltd is composed of a young team, determined to bring the experience of our firm to the businesses and hi-tech companies of

the world. The advantage we have over most of the providers of such a service is that we have been working as professional interpreters and translators for more than 10 years on the front line. Therefore, we know how to satisfy the needs of both parties: customers and interpreters/translators alike. Our range of services includes translation and interpreting in all world languages for public organisations, corporate clients and private individuals, localisation, editing, proofreading and cultural advice. Daniela Languages combines and enhances the knowledge and experience of its seasoned specialists, in order to offer a complete and comprehensive service. Thanks to our young and dynamic team and the consistent innovations we use, the firm has been able to continually offer our clients new possibilities and improved forms of communication. Ever since the establishment of Daniela Languages, customer satisfaction has always been paramount to us. We carefully select our partners and along with our experience and knowledge, indeed we ensure that all projects and assignments are both reliably and competently processed and completed. Values of Daniela Languages The following five values turn the spotlight on how we behave and conduct business, both as a company and as individuals. 1. Commitment to quality ‘Offering high quality translations every time’ is the business objective we have set out to achieve since the establishment of Daniela Languages. This has been the underlying philosophy of our organisation growth and international expansion. 2. Adaptability Every client operates with unique business infrastructure and processes. Daniela Languages is always ready and willing to integrate and adjust to clients’ internal workflows, content management tools, accounting, and financial systems to achieve required performance levels.

40 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

3. Technical expertise It is vitally important not only to use native language, qualified translators in order to guarantee the highest quality translations but also to utilise language technology successfully in order to transfer benefits to our clients. Daniela Languages operates with the philosophy of continually advising its clients and taking initiative to help them create or update their company specific translation solutions. 4. Stability We believe in growing and advancing along our people and clients. The company’s main focus is on creating a productive and enjoyable workplace for its employees that subsequently has led to the full commitment and dedication of the entire team. Even in this extreme economic downturn, Daniela Languages is a financially healthy company with net profits rising every year. 5. Collaboration Intense competition and advancements in technology have led the industry players to pick up their pace and transfer knowledge throughout their supply chain. Daniela Languages has identified the need to work with different teams/ departments and operates with an open and sharing philosophy of know-how and expertise in order to continuously upgrade its services and meet client requirements. Interpreting services Our interpreters have years of experience in interpreting during meetings, negotiations and conferences. They offer consecutive or simultaneous interpreting.

• Legal and court interpreting Our legal and court interpreters assist in court hearings, negotiations and meetings. • Police, HM Prisons and probation offices Our interpreters assist at the meetings between the Police and Probation officers and the offenders. • Public services and government bodies Our interpreters assist at meetings between social workers or other officials and members of the public • Medical interpreting Our interpreters assist at appointments between medical staff and patients. • Telephone interpreting Our interpreters are trained to work over the phone, which saves time and money for our clients.

• Relay interpreting Using a second language as a relay is employed when no interpreters with the required language are available. Translation services Daniela Languages cover a wide range of subject areas in all written world language pairs. We work on technical documents, such as instructions, data sheets, and training information for corporate communications, e.g. work schedules, company correspondence, reports, brochures, legal documents and texts, briefs and certificates. Telephone interpreting service A telephone interpreter provides you with in real time an instant communication tool that enables you to connect to your foreign business partners, so let us assist you in building your international relations. When you are using telephone interpretation, you are connected via a conference call to the person you wish to speak to and a consecutive interpreter. The consecutive interpreter translates what is spoken by each person alternating with the speakers. We also offer to make calls abroad on your behalf. We establish a specific competent interpreter who performs the call for you. You will then be informed of the results of the conversation. This service gives you even more flexibility in overcoming language barriers, especially if you do not have time to participate in the conversation.

Languages covered include: From Europe Albanian, Basque, Belarusian, Bosnian, Breton, Catalan, Corsican, Danish, Estonian, Finnish, Flemish, Gaelic (Irish), Gaelic (Scottish), Galician, Hungarian, Icelandic, Latvian, Lithuanian, Luxembourgish, Maltese, Moldovan, Norwegian, Occitan, Sardinian, Serbian and Scots.

From Asia, the Middle East and the CIS All Arabic Dialects, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bashkir, Bengali, Burmese, Georgian, Gujurati, Hebrew, Hindi, Kurdish, Malay, Mongolian, Nepali, Ossetic, Sanskrit, Tagalog, Tajik, Tamil, Turkmen, Urdu, Uzbek and Yiddish. From Africa Afrikaans, Bantu family (including Zulu), Hausa, Igbo, Kinyarwanda, Malagasy, Sudanese and Yoruba. We do not just offer language translation into and from English. Whatever combination of languages you require, be it French to Arabic, or Portuguese to Tagalog, we have the know-how and the resources to provide our clients with an accurate, timely and authoritative translation of the highest quality, in terms of both content and presentation. For some of the combinations not involving English, capacity constraints mean that more time may need to be allowed.

Some of our clients To hear some feedback for our work and services you could always contact some of our present clients, listed below: • Luton Council; • Haringey Council; • Croydon Council; • Barnet Hospital; • Greenwich Interpreting Services; • Prominent London Law firms and HM Courts such as: Old Bailey; Wood Green Crown Court; • Highgate Probation Office; • St John’s Probation Office; • Lordship Lane Probation Office; • Reed House; • Charities such as: Migrant Help Line, TIS and; • Finally, commercial companies from the filming and advertising industries Our satisfied customers say: “We use Daniela Languages to provide interpreting support to Haringey Council Officers, we have found the service to be fast, professional, reliable and we are very happy with the standard and level of services we receive from Daniela Languages.” Mr. Ali Ozgovercin, Senior translation and interpreting Officer, Haringey Council Officers

“The service provided has been of a high quality, friendly staff and very efficient. They are very willing to adjust to our requirements and this has been very valuable to us. Their Interpreters have presented themselves very professionally.” Humera, Interpreting Services & Resources Manager, Barnet Hospital Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI68

Company: KBR Inc Name: Dr. Saqib Sadiq Email: Saqib.Sadiq@kbr.com Web: www.kbr.com Address: KBR Corporate Headquarters 601 Jefferson Street Houston, TX 77002 USA Phone: +1 713 753 2000

Exceeding Expectations Explicably Exclusive Leading Technical Adviser of the Year award winner is Dr. Saqib Sadiq of KBR Inc, who we invited to write about the firm’s impressive array of differentiated professional services and technologies, across the asset and programme life cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons sectors. BR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and programme life cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons sectors. KBR employs approximately 34,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses:

In terms of the government services, this involves serving government customers globally, including capabilities that cover the full life-cycle of defence, space, aviation and other government programmes and missions from research and development, through systems engineering, test and evaluation, programme management, to operations, maintenance and field logistics The firm’s technology and consulting services, include proprietary technology focused on the monetisation of hydrocarbons (especially natural gas and natural gas liquids) in ethylene and petrochemicals; ammonia, nitric acid and fertilisers; oil refining; gasification; oil and gas consulting; integrity management; naval architecture and proprietary hulls and downstream consulting Their engineering and construction services include onshore oil and gas; LNG (liquefaction and regasification)/GTL; oil refining; petrochemicals; chemicals; fertilisers; differentiated EPC; maintenance services (Brown & Root Industrial Services); offshore oil and gas (shallow-water, deepwater, subsea); floating solutions (FPU, FPSO, FLNG & FSRU) and programme management KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, integrated EPC delivery and long term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, ‘We Deliver’. Responsibility No matter the location or work performed, we aim to build a better future by leaving a positive legacy at each project site around the world. Each year, KBR participates in some of the world’s largest, most complex projects in remote, diverse and challenging environments — from deserts to Deepwater fields, Arctic regions to rainforests, and urban areas to

42 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

nature preserves. With each project, KBR assumes a responsibility for safe and successful completion — while meeting client expectations and benefiting our stakeholders. Achieving these goals also means reducing our environmental impact, enhancing energy efficiencies, minimising lost-time incidents and injuries, and hiring and training local labour to create job opportunities and encourage the development of thriving and successful communities. KBR takes pride in working with local, indigenous, and minority- and women-owned vendors and suppliers, in addition to offering the technical assistance and counsel to enable new partners to qualify as suppliers for our company. We meet — and frequently exceed — all established goals for local and diverse resourcing of labour, suppliers, vendors and materials. Safety We empower employees, customers and contractors to display the courage to care by looking out for one another 24/7 through our ‘Zero Harm philosophy’. As a global corporate citizen, we believe we have a responsibility to the people and the communities in which we live and work. That’s why KBR maintains Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) as a core value for all employees and a key element in our Code of Business Conduct. Establishing and incorporating HSSE responsibility and accountability is a priority within our organisation and it also creates value for our customers. Just as customers rely on our expertise to make the most efficient use of their assets, they also depend on us to help meet their objectives of financial performance, worker safety and environmental protection. For KBR, safety is more than policies, procedures or rules; it is about being part of a safety culture, all-day every-day. This vision is embodied in KBR’s Zero Harm 24/7 initiative which empowers all our employees, customers and contractors to display the courage to care by looking out for one another. We envision the KBR Zero Harm philosophy extending into the personal lives of all employees where our people make safety-conscious decisions based on personal values.

Consulting In today’s economic climate, it is essential to reduce overall costs, minimise risks and execute on-time projects that are designed to perform with operational efficiencies - KBR’s consultants are the trusted advisors that can help you meet these goals

Our experience spans the entire range of the energy services cycle – from feasibility studies and front end designs through global procurement and logistics, direct hire construction and construction management on some of the most demanding energy projects onshore and offshore.

From conceptual design through procurement, logistics, construction management commissioning and turnover we focus our efforts on the timely completion and delivery of these large-scale projects that meet our customers’ objectives for safety, quality and performance.

Built over time, from years of executing some of the world’s most challenging projects, we have developed the deep industry understanding, both technical and commercial, required to deliver value at every stage of the hydrocarbons project lifecycle.

These efforts are backed by the full force of a global organisation of more than 22,000 employees in regional offices and operating centres around the world. What this means to you is a deep reservoir of talent, resources and experience across our business that can respond quickly and effectively to your project requirements.

KBR’s PMC services include: • Plan the bidding process for contractors; • Execute the bidding process including bid tabs; • Manage the site(s) for all contractors; • Supply common services to contractors or run a camp depending on location; • Reside in client or contractor offices; • Handle all contractor inquiries and claim analysis; • Provide interface management and services and; • Monitor and report on progress of work and budgets.

KBR customised consulting solutions improve development cycles, enhance safety and efficiency and maximise the potential of your assets. Through some of the best minds in the business, including highly specialised technical experts at the forefront of their respective fields, KBR offers innovative solutions and practical answers for every challenge. With both the big picture understanding and laser focus on anticipated trends, KBR’s thought leaders have one overarching goal, to work smarter and save our customers’ money. From early planning and development, whether brownfield or greenfield, to the deepest offshore waters or navigating today’s complex petrochemical business landscape, from highly specialised areas of expertise to simply smarter project execution, KBR has the full-service capabilities and expertise to identify and implement value-added solutions. Engineering, procurement & construction Fluctuating prices, skilled labour shortages, geopolitical uncertainty, the growing complexity and rising costs of projects – navigating the challenges of today’s energy landscape takes an experienced EPC partner. KBR is one of the world’s largest and most diverse providers of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and start-up services to the hydrocarbons industry. For more than 90 years, we have worked side-by-side with customers the world over to meet project objectives and help them succeed.

Project & programme management Apply decades of experience in mega-project EPC execution to your large-scale, businesscritical capital project. As a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, KBR has successfully executed a portfolio of largescale, highly complex projects in some of the most challenging locations on earth. With a reputation of delivering projects anytime, anywhere, we are frequently called on by customers to provide project and programme management services. As part of our integrated team approach, we adhere to a simple strategy: innovative, on-time and onbudget delivery regardless of the size and scope of the project. Applying our high-performance software, information technology and extensive library of best practices and lessons learned, KBR brings an array of advanced project management tools and systems for every phase of the project, integrating the activities of all parties for a successful outcome. KBR’s project management experts and resources are available 24 hours-a-day via sophisticated business execution tools, such as our integrated project management system (IPMS), project portals, project dashboards, geographic information systems and object engineering to monitor progress and share information.

Example of large-scale PMC assignments are as follows: YASREF Refinery – a 400,000 BPD grass-roots refinery to process heavy Arabian crude to produce motor fuels and other refined products. Sadara Petrochemical Complex – the world’s largest grassroots petrochemical complex with 26 downstream chemical units. Saudi Kayan – world-scale ethylene complex producing ethylene, propylene and benzene using KBR Score® Technology. Qatar’s Expressway Programme - one of the world’s largest transport infrastructure programmes. Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme – as delivery partner for the UK Home Office to provide cheaper, better and smarter communications services for the UK emergency services.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1706AI46

Hard Work Pays Off Company: GBR Design™ Name: Marco Barel CEO and Senior Creative Director Email: mb@gbrdesign.com Web: www.gbrdesign.com Address: Via Vincenzo Monti 47 Milan, Italy Phone: +39 02 565 67119

GBR Design™ recently celebrated success in achieving the Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year – Italy accolade, as part of the prestigious Leading Adviser 2017 Awards. GBR Design™ is a brand identity, web design and corporate reputation Italian company founded in 2009, based in Milan and Venice and working for international brands. We interviewed the firm’s CEO and Senior Creative Director, Marco Barel, to learn more.

BR Design™ develops corporate identity and grows its value by building unique, carefully crafted visual presentations and high-end digital experiences to elevate brand’s prestige worldwide. GBR Design™ current descriptive tagline is: Branding & Digital Artistry.

They are an Italian company with its own personnel and network of technicians which are digital designers, brand experts and front-end/back-end developers. These are of course the types of profile that make the difference for us to meet success in our projects. Senior Creative Director, Marco Barel begins by explaining more about the firm’s work and his thoughts on visual arts and new media today. “Each new product, service or corporate element is a new opportunity to exceed the objectives. Traditionally effective tools and methods intersect with unexplored paths, revealing new channels for reaching and exceeding sales goals.

“Visual arts and new media become so powerful means for lead generation and customer loyalty. GBR Design™ drives companies in the process of construction and affirmation of the brand, giving strength to the development of its value thanks to the combination of visual design skills and performance marketing strategies, for its growth in international markets.” Marco is very enthusiastic to offer his remarks on the firm being given the Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year - Italy accolade, as part of the Leading Adviser 2017 Awards. “GBR Design™ so far has received several international recognitions from different countries of the world as part of web design and branding contests. We as a team are always delighted and proud that our commitment and effort to provide unique services are widely acknowledged by important showcases and agencies internationally. It strengthens the inner conviction we have that only precisely developed, hard work pays off. “As the Leading Web Design Consultant of the Year – Italy, this special recognition amplifies and further promotes our mission and wish to get in touch with all those companies and corporations in seek of the right solutions and the right partner who can take their brand, corporate and web identity to the next higher level. “It’s the very first time that GBR Design™ has received such recognition and we are definitively delighted and honoured to get featured in AI magazine. In fact, for GBR Design™ it is indeed another milestone!” Marco then reveals more about his own role as CEO and Senior Creative Director in this privately held company. “My background consists of more than a decade’s worth of experience in the field of visual design and the internet of things. I am 36 years old with specialist training and experience in Italy and the U.S, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with specialisation in branding and communication design. My expertise focuses on brand development and user experience design. “On each major project, I am personally the key contact person who takes care of planning and final expectations, to ensure the work meets the successful result desired. My role is to inspire and

44 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

provide direct assistance in all strategic choices and advices. The client can rely on a single key contact person, point of reference for strategy and creativity, during each development phase of the project. By getting full support from a valuable team of selected and highly-skilled personnel on visual and technical tasks, GBR Design™ performs in-house operations to speed up processes and results for its clients.” Marco is keen to point out three of the firm’s specific areas of expertise, which are Brand Identity Development, Web and User Experience Design and Performance Marketing which he goes on to explain in his own words. “On Brand Identity Development, GBR Design™ provides advanced tools and all the skills necessary to maximise the corporate image, brand equity and business performance both online and offline. We build growth paths with artisan creativity and dedication, always paying attention to the potential of each innovation. We give shape, strength and thickness to ideas, dreams and visions, by aiming constantly towards a great goal: enabling our partners to look straight ahead and steadily celebrate new successes. By shifting focus from linear practices to iterative design processes, we can shed light on new options and explore the various alternatives. “Concerning Web and User Experience Design, GBR Design™ is highly specialised on web design and digital experience design as an essential touch point a business must have for its target audience and market, in these years. For this reason, we are always behind the times on design and coding by using top level developers and great taste designers to create emotions and unique experiences. GBR Design™ brings together several carefully selected professionals, creating a convergence of multi-sectoral advanced skills: the best of each discipline to work for the clients. Our designs and works are repeatedly featured in international web design contests and magazine because of the technical structure of coding and their taste and user experience design. “When it comes to Performance Marketing, GBR Design™ also participates in the definition of business models, developing tailor-made strategic and development plans, with state-of-the-art precision and it collaborates with companies in the design of traditional marketing plans and web based businesses. Strategies are developed with a modular approach, integrating top-level services in the field of design, web design, digital interaction, search engine optimisation, brand design, brand management, graphic arts applied, traditional marketing and internet marketing. Continuing this remarkably compelling interview, Marco is very keen to share with us the important behind the scenes work that web design consultants carry out in GBR Design™. “The successful basis we always keep - is to work only with designers and developers that are themselves highly skilled on the most successful techniques and best-practices only known to insiders. This is especially true on code development: because of the large amount of technologies on the market, it

may get to an impasse as there are plenty of ways to get to a specific result, technically; however, in fact, only one or two are the ones that can provide the best overall performance and, hence, feedback and appraisal from the target audience! “Our technicians are highly skilled on cutting-edge technologies in the field of web design and digital development, including mobile apps and complex backend systems. We think that taking into consideration this key technical aspect, is the most sensible approach large companies should take in selecting their web design partners, because this aspect is going to widely affect their own brand image, their own touch-and-feel and their own customers experience. Unfortunately, not all companies take this into consideration sufficiently.” Marco goes on to underline the type of clients GBR Design™ serves, plus on the subject of people, he is also very eager to outline the crucial role of his staff. “We use to serve both international corporations and medium companies (and from time to time even start-ups) that we consider valuable to work with as an actual partnership. Our processes require the participation of the client during main development steps. Especially in brand design, this is something essential that will provide great satisfaction and results for the client itself. So far, we had the great pleasure of working with clients like TOD’s, Corian, Volkswagen, Coca-Cola, Art Found Trust, Impatia, Venice Luxury Gallery and many other great brands throughout the world. “Since the skills required for my staff are very technical - and we also demand a very good taste

in each design product - our staff are very reliable and clients can count on them every time their assistance is required. Again, it is not a matter of personality or public relations, but the fact that they are trusted because of their technical skills and ability to evaluate and solve problems of any kind in their field.” Bringing this insightful interview to a conclusion, Marco highlights the importance of the firm’s new brand identity and how this will be maximised to reach their target audience. “This year, DuPont Surfaces (the international branch of American conglomerate E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) named GBR Design™ as the Global Brand Identity Agency for the Corian brand - and we are developing visual identity guidelines and the whole brand architecture to ensure consistent communication of its values and positioning of the brand within a system - where all messages are mutually reinforcing each other. “Every facet of the new brand identity is designed to convey Corian’s incredible potential for creating made-to-measure spaces and standing alongside any other technology or material. GBR Design™ was asked to create the entire visual identity, including the logo, animations and wider brand structure. The collaboration is set to continue, with GBR Design™ providing creative direction for all corporate touch points. “In 2017, other international corporations in U.S., Asia and Europe will be starting taking advantage of our services to maximise their brand’s equity and digital experience to their target audience.” Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI38

An Awesome Advisor Adrian Ashton has several national reputations and international awards for supporting enterprises of all types across a range of issues and themes, the latest being the Leading Advisor of the Year – UK award. We invited him to talk about his work as a freelance and his thoughts in winning this impressive accolade.

s a freelancer, I offer enterprise advice and support on a consultancy basis. I also consider myself very fortunate in how I can do this, having the political freedom to be able to explicitly lobby national policy and legislation, where I see that it may not be best aligned with the changing needs of the sectors and industries my clients trade and operate within.

Company: Adrian Ashton Name: Adrian Ashton Email: adrian.ashton2@ gmail.com Web: www.adrianashton.co.uk Address: Office, 6 White Hart Fold Todmorden OL14 7BD, UK Phone: +44 (0)7786 492313

As a freelance consultant, I offer clients several areas of expertise and specialism which currently include: - Impact reporting and planning future services and growth; - Enterprise start-up and growth; - Governance and managing change; - Financial modelling and pursuing investment; and - Enterprise education. On being awarded Leading Advisor of the Year – UK accolade, it’s an incredible encouragement and validation of the approaches and impacts I try and use and create through my work with clients and others. I suspect my mum will also be pleased too. Being recognised as one of the UK’s leading advisors means my clients and other organisations can be assured that they’ve commissioned the right consultant! It will also hopefully enhance my existing brand and reputation further. Supporting clients I support a range of client organisations that include: universities, sector bodies, private firms, charities and social enterprises, co-operatives, national government departments, and funded enterprise support programmes. In seeking to be consistent with the values I try and manifest in my work, I tend to prefer to seek introductions to them or reply to direct invitations. Encouragingly, after 12 years of working hard, people are now starting to introduce me to their clients and contacts in relation to my own specialisms and expertise. In addition, I regularly reflect with clients on their experiences of how drawing upon my expertise has been of benefit to them. This had led to various comments and testimonials that include me being compared to a ‘babel fish’ (able to translate complex ideas and technical jargon into simple to understand terms and concepts); acting as a ‘human google’ (having a breadth and depth of knowledge on a range of subjects); clearly living out personal and professional values that people admire; having high ethical and professional standards, but also being

46 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

able to be pragmatic; and I also liked the response of one particular person: ‘you’re awesome!’. In terms of the important role that advisers more generally carry out, including myself, I would say that organisations usually tend to focus on systems and procedures as needing to be developed or reviewed. But having said this, I think it’s just as important (if not more so) for the people in an organisation to also be involved in supporting their change and adoption. The use of external advisers who can share objective perspectives and stories from elsewhere can be a very powerful way to ensure people are engaged and supportive of processes and changes being introduced. As a freelancer, I do not directly employ anyone, but do enjoy working with a close network of trusted associates. Through our collaborations, we are able to generate additional perspectives and access to resources of benefit to clients, as well as support each other’s ongoing personal CPD. In terms of my plans for 2017 and beyond, it’s worth highlighting that the impact of Brexit on the UK is still unclear, and I’m also going through some significant changes in my family relationships and circumstances this year as well. Both of these elements are creating significant uncertainty about the future for me both professionally and personally. However, as I’ve always sought to do over the last 12 years, I intent to continue to maintain the standards and approaches with clients I always have, and to involve them where appropriate in helping to shape the future support and services I offer them. Finally, I would like to point out that just as a good advisor can have a powerful transformative impact, I’m concerned that clients sometimes don’t always, or are confident in being able to, manage such support. As part of my own CPD framework, I’ve therefore developed a number of measures to try and ensure transparency and accountability (including being the only freelance consultant to annually and openly report on my impact every year for the last 12 years). I would also always encourage a client organisation to question all the advice they’re offered – regardless of whom it’s from. After all, it’s their organisation, not the advisors.

1705AI20

Practice Makes Perfect PEM Corporate Finance LLP is a Cambridge-based corporate finance boutique. We caught up with them to find out more about what they do, after their success in achieving the Leading Business Valuations Consultant of the Year – UK award. EM Corporate Finance (PEMCF) advises owner managed businesses on transactions, ranging from M&A and company sales to management buyouts and private equity fund raising.

Company: PEM Corporate Finance LLP Name: Lake Falconer, Corporate Finance Partner Web: www.pemcf.com Address: Salisbury House, Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2LA, UK Phone: +44 (0)1223 728306

They are part of PEM, a full service, award winning accounting and tax practice with over 140 staff and 14 partners. PEM is the largest independent firm of accountants and business advisers based in Cambridge. The flat structure of the PEMCF team enables them to deliver personal senior level attention to clients, while also having the tax expertise and other resources of PEM at their disposal. Corporate Finance Partner Lake Falconer begins the interview by explaining more about what the firm does, their global reach and their reactions to winning this distinguished award.

“I personally specialise in business valuation as well as advising on company sales, management buyouts, equity financing and strategy. The firm as a whole specialises in valuing businesses for a variety of purposes including shareholder disputes, tax, restructuring, in preparation for sale, and for legal purposes. “We also have global reach as a member of Kreston International, a global network of independent accounting firms. Kreston currently ranks as the 12th largest accounting network in the world and covers 113 countries, with 180 firms providing a resource of over 23,000 professional and support staff. “We’re delighted to have received the Leading Business Valuations Consultant of the Year – UK award, which recognises our work in the valuations field. The recognition of AI through this reward will allow us to demonstrate our capabilities to corporates seeking valuations, and also to other intermediaries such as lawyers and tax advisers who may need business valuations.” Advisers certainly play an important role in the firm’s success. As well as taking the time to interview the directors and managers of a business being valued, PEMCF conducts detailed research, based on a number of resources, to support and inform their findings. In Lake’s view, the right external advisers undoubtedly make a huge contribution to the success of any business. Lake then tells us in his own words about the people he works with, that is the firm’s clients and the staff that work for PEMCF. “We primarily work with unquoted businesses, for the most part owner managed. We take the time to gain a deep understanding of our clients in order to deliver thoughtful advice that genuinely helps our clients to achieve their goals. “To support this, we have a strong team of experienced and qualified professionals, and our service delivery is based on always putting the same well qualified and motivated staff in front of our clients.” Lake concludes the interview by revealing that PEM Corporate Finance, “plan to continue to grow and develop our practice.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI44

Company: Andrew Smiths Partners Name: Andrew Jayatunga LLB, LLM, Attorney at Law Email: trademark@ srilankalawyer.com Web: www.srilankalawyer.com Address: 309B, Kalapaluwawa Rajagiriya, Colombo, Sri Lanka Phone: +94112794316

An Ongoing Personal Service Andrew Smiths Partners Leading Adviser of the Year Leading Adviser of the Year - Sri Lanka award winner Andrew Jayatunga shares his thoughts on the firm’s unrivalled expertise in the core areas of legal and commercial activity. ndrew Smiths Partners has unrivalled expertise on the core areas of commercial activity including property law/real estate, foreign investment, intellectual property including trademarks, patent, industrial designs; litigation; corporate; commercial; dispute resolution; arbitration as well as civil & commercial litigation.

In addition, the firm offers services concerning money recovery, employment/labour law; construction contracts/disputes, maritime contracts/ disputes, family law, enforcing foreign judgments, conveyancing, DEEDS, lease agreements, last wills, testamentary matters, resealing foreign probates, setting up/incorporate companies, BOI matters, company secretarial services and transactions on day-to-day operations.

“our product ‘reliability’ is an essential element of any professional relationship and legal security.” Andrew Smiths Partners guarantees that first-class advisers are available at all times and that clients will receive ongoing personal service. In 2016, the firm won the Global Law Experts Annual Award for the Intellectual Property Law firm of the year - Sri Lanka. In addition, Andrew Smiths partners ranked as ‘International Star for the Leadership in Quality (ISLQ)’, under Gold category award by the international quality convention held in France in April 2017. Currently the firm has clients (including fortune 500 companies) in 22 countries and works with over 50 law firms all over the world including the UK, USA, India and China. Andrew then details the firm’s client base and expert team of professionals in his own words. “Our clients are market leaders in various industries including banking and finance, manufacturing, retail, power, oil and gas, education, health care and insurance, agility and property development, technology, software, electrical, chemical, Internet, media equipment, pharmaceutical, automotive and consumer products including a word leading communication equipment manufacturers, infrastructure contractors, trust companies.

48 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“Our typical clients are currently high net worth individuals and international corporations; we aim to strengthen our litigation team by recruiting experience litigation lawyers. Our co-operation within personal law firms in handling international litigation is testament to our strength in the litigation field and has significantly improved our market position. “Andrew Smiths Partners professional group is made up of a team of professionals with characteristics such as initiative, creativity, applied intelligence, technical knowledge and willingness to work. We believe that our expertise in this area and the positive results we achieve for the clients gives us an advantage in the international litigation field. This is demonstrated by the corporations we have established with international law firms - and large international incorporate clients - as well as high net worth individuals.” The firm also provides legal services in the specialist field of corporate finance mergers and acquisitions, listing incorporate compliance including drafting the prospectus required for IPO exercise, advising and handling the legal documentation work, preparing the full information statements subscription agreement as well as placement agreement and other legal documentation. The firm also offers services in relation to advertising and joint ventures and preparation of a joint-venture agreement and shareholder agreements, advising on merger and acquisition transactions and preparing acquisition agreements, as well as advising on investments and venture capital investments, corporate loan and financing matters, and acting as the company secretary and handling secretarial work for private and publicly listed companies. Andrew then underlines the firm’s remarkable level of expertise and what sets them apart in the outstanding work they do. “As a family law firm, Andrew Smiths Partners has access to not only in-house expertise, but also a network of lawyers nationally and internationally whose experience covers the array of family law issues. This network enables the firm to provide advice and assistance to clients with any family law issue, no matter how complex it is. “Our team of lawyers have acquired expertise in working collaboratively across jurisdictions and formulating international defence strategies, as well as covering international investigations and

prosecutions including extradition and the sharing of information between states. Our work is done with in the spirit of a true vocation for service, with an undoubted conviction and a clear mindfulness of the responsibility we assume for the performance of the tasks assigned to our law firm. “As a law firm, Andrew Smiths Partners focuses on intellectual property matters and mainly on trademarks and patents. Andrew has extensive experience in pursuing litigation in these areas. Such cases often involve exclusive technology and protected trademarks, which are the lifeblood of any firm or enterprise. It works to protect these valuable assets in cases involving everything from simple trademark applications, oppositions, licensing agreements, patentability and prior art searches as well as opinions and patent protection to complex issues such as trademark infringement, passing off, and patent violations.” Andrew is an experienced practitioner, attorney at law; indeed, his practice focused on intellectual property issues including trademarks, patents, industrial designs; foreign investment, employment/ labour law; construction contracts/disputes and corporate due diligence matters. In addition, Andrew is an attorney at law and a graduate in law. He lived in London for more than seven years where he earned a Masters of Law (LLM) in International Commercial Law from University of Westminster London, 2004. He has also gained considerable working experience in the banking and finance in the areas of risk and compliance, under different regulatory regimes. Also, he has continuing credentials from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Andrew also advices Sri Lankan and international companies throughout Sri Lanka on all questions of employment law. His areas of specialisation include acting as an employment law consultant during corporate acquisitions and restructuring, including negotiations on redundancy schemes proceeding before conciliation bodies, collective agreement negotiations spin-offs, as well as due diligence right through to the post-merger integration stage. He concludes that, “our product ‘reliability’ is an essential element of any professional relationship and legal security. This reliability is supported by our capacity to keep an intermediate position between the different points of interest involved in the operation and our independent judgement and criterion.” Member-American Bar Association, Law Society & Bar Association of Sri Lanka Qualifications LLM International Commercial Law, International Financial Law [London] -University of Westminster 309 Regent St, Paddington, City of Westminster, W1B 2UW, United Kingdom LLB Bachelor of law (University of Colombo) Attorney at Law PG.DIP in Management (London) P.G DIP in Software development (London) LICA -Institute of Chartered Accountants (SL) Cert -Information Communication Technology Law (BASL) Cert -Intellectual Property-Patent Drafting (WIPO)

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1702AI25

Invest for Success Company: Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Name: Owen Verwey Email: goinvest@goinvest.gov.gy Web: www.goinvest.gov.gy Address: 190 Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown, Guyana Telephone: +592 227 0653, +592 225 0658 Fax: +592 225 0655

The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) is the primary service provider to local and foreign investors and exporters alike. As a recent recipient of the Leading Advisors of the Year – Guyana, CEO Owen Verwey provides a fascinating insight into the crucial work of this government agency. O-Invest’s mission is to, “contribute to Guyana’s economic development by promoting and facilitating local and foreign private-sector investment and exports in accordance with the country’s approved investment and export strategies.”

This government office falls under the purview of the Ministry of Business. The agency was established in 1994 to stimulate, facilitate, and promote the development of trade and industry, especially the diversification of investment activities in all sectors of the Guyanese economy. CEO Owen Verwey then tells us more about what GO-Invest does and offers his thoughts on winning the Leading Advisors of the Year – Guyana award. “GO-Invest offers sound technical advice on the process and steps to doing business in Guyana. GO-Invest is also the agency legally mandated to draft the Investment Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Investor (foreign and local). The Investment Agreement allows for Investors to access fiscal incentives.

“The staff of GO-Invest are credited with the success of the agency, as they are a small group of expert individuals, able to offer accurate advice and guidance.” “Additionally, The GO-Invest Export Promotion Division works closely with investors and supports businesses in seeking export opportunities in overseas markets. The division helps current and potential exporters to promote their products and services in national and international exhibitions, trade fairs, and regionspecific and country-specific trade missions. “On winning the Leading Advisors of the Year Guyana award, this is indeed apt at this point, as GO-Invest is the leading investment facilitation and Export Promotion Agency in this country. In fact, it is the sole Investment Promotion Agency in Guyana. All services offered by GO-Invest are free of cost.” The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has two main functions. Each one is carried out by individual departments. These are Investment Facilitation Division and the Export Promotion Division. Owen then tells us about his own interesting role at GO-Invest and what this involves.

50 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“I provide advice and guidance to investors who are entering or looking to expand their business and projects so as to ensure the interest of both the Investor and the Government is served. I bring together major economic knowledge, local demographic knowledge, augmenting the business and a political awareness and knowledge of government processes. Additionally, I have public, private, local and international experience in investment.” GO-Invest’s Investment facilitation services are: • Liaising with government agencies to support investors; • Assisting investors with necessary steps to commence business operations; • Advising on relevant investment incentives and regulation; • Coordinating joint ventures and; • Investment policy advocacy. Their export promotion services include: • Providing information on trade opportunities; • Assisting in promoting products locally and internationally; • Liaison with relevant agencies to address export problems; • Export policy advocacy and; • Identifying and addressing export needs of private sector firms. The important behind the scenes work that advisors carry out are information sharing, networking as well as the technical ability to easily complete high level due diligence and analytical assessment of business models or investment opportunities Owen underlines. He adds that simplifying the process and time for investment decisions or project implementation is another vital aspect of an advisor’s work. “Experts are able to get access to decision makers, ability to understand decisions and urgency for decisions and generally provide the necessary assistance at a very high level to ensure the success of projects” he tells us. Owen then highlights the type of clients GO-Invest serve, and the vital role of the staff under his authority play. “GO-Invest serve both domestic and foreign investors and exporters. GO-Invest has an opendoor policy, whereby investors and exporters are free to approach the agency at any time and will receive the assistance they require. Additionally,

the agency engages in various investment promotion and export promotion activities, such as attendance to trade fairs and expos, participations in various sectorial forums and conferences as well as advertising both locally and in foreign mediums. “The staff of GO-Invest are credited with the success of the agency, as they are a small group of expert individuals, able to offer accurate advice and guidance.” Owen concludes by saying that GO-Invest are currently in the process of reorganising the agency, in order to better serve their investors. He adds that they are developing a National Investment Strategy, as well as a National Export Strategy. “We are aiming to have more direct input in the overall country decisions on investment decisions and implementation. Finally, we will be providing a significantly higher level of due diligence and analytical review of project proposal.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI22

Ardent Advisers Company: EuroHold Names: Jean-Francois Alandry jfa@eurohold.com Pascal Vieilledent pv@eurohold.com Web: www.eurohold.com Address: Avenida Diagonal, 361, 2º 08037 Barcelona Phone: + 34 93 457 89 80

Eurohold is a corporate finance company established in 1989, with strong ethical values, specialised in cross border deals in some high value-added sectors, present in Europe and emerging countries through a strong own network and independent leaders in number of mid-size and small-size deals in Spain. Following their success in achieving the exclusive accolade of the Leading Corporate Finance Advisers in Spain, we interviewed Jean-Francois Alandry to discover more about this firm of seasoned professionals. ince their inception, Eurohold has specialised in attractive and growing sectors such as technology, life sciences, distribution and retail, luxury goods, environmental services, B2B services, wines and so on. The firm offers a global vision on those sectors.

As to the clients the firm serves, this can be divided into three distinct categories, which are entrepreneurs, multinationals and PE/VC firms. A very different approach is required for each type of client, with more or less time spent on sector knowledge or M&A understanding for example. Jean-Francois Alandry tell us about the crucial role advisors play in the company, and how they serve their clients. “Psychology is very important. Firstly, you need to understand the person, then the company in its sector, then the global economic and political situation and finally, the potential transaction. It’s never any other way around”. “It is important to select the right advisors because an external and professional vision is often accurate but is also important that the client remains the owner of strategical decisions. Our main role is to design deals from scratch and then help the parties to materialise them throughout adequate processes.”

52 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

In terms of the firm’s staff, Jean-Francois says they play a big role. Their young staff are in charge of an important part of the process, under a more senior partner’s authority. That makes it easier for them to evolve and grow professionally he tells us. On winning the Leading Corporate Finance Advisers in Spain award, Jean-Francois underlines how proud the firm are to receive this. “We are very proud of it. After 28 years operating in M&A, it is encouraging that the market appreciates our values, efforts and different approach to this sector. It goes without saying that a better reach to the different actors within the M&A market could present future business opportunities! Bringing the interview to a close, Jean-Francois describes his hopes for the firm’s future and the values they vehemently stand by. “We should open Portugal before the end of the year. Our plan is to increase cross-border activity between our different offices, particularly the one between Europe and emerging countries. In addition, we are proud to defend strong ethical values and independence. Today, the M&A market needs more than ever actors with no conflicts of interest.”

1705AI06

The Long Arm of the Law Enforcement Bailiffs Ltd is a commercial property enforcement specialist and is celebrating their success in winning the exclusive Leading Enforcement Adviser of the Year – UK award. The company provides a same day nationwide service to evict trespassers and squatters. The company also deals with non-paying tenants, collecting unpaid commercial rent arrears and reclaiming property.

Company: Enforcement Bailiffs Ltd Name: Andy Coates Email: andy@qualitybailiffs.co.uk Web: www.qualitybailiffs.co.uk Address: 78 York Street London, W1H 1DP UK Phone: +44 (0)208 090 2439

ndy Coates of Enforcement Bailiffs gives advice to clients on the best way to enforce their instructions and oversees the operations. Andy has been in the profession since 1988 and is the current Vice President of Certificated Enforcement Agents Association. He specialises in the eviction of trespassers from land, and the removal of fly grazing of horses. He tells us more about the company’s specific areas of expertise.

“Everyone needs professional help and advice from trusted advisors. Any company who is faced with problems needs a variety of quality qualified advisors to help them solve a problem.

“As a leading training provider in the enforcement sector our company’s expertise cover all forms of enforcement,” he begins. “We cover mainly the commercial sector for rent and property recovery and, in particular, dealing with trespassers such as traveller eviction or commercial squatters. The company also has an equine and animal division.”

Recently, Andy and the company were awarded the title of Leading Adviser 2017 – Leading Enforcement Adviser of the Year – UK. He tells us how it feels to receive such a prestigious accolade.

Andy has worked as a bailiff and an investigator but also as a manager and director, with considerable experience of enforcement and investigation work.

“Our clients are mainly landowners and the legal sector as well as business and some local authorities. Our business comes from direct marketing, web site sales, networking and word of mouth.”

“We are delighted to receive this again and it now means with have won this award for two consecutive years,” he enthuses. “We feel very proud that our clients are happy with the services and advice given to them.

Andy passed the examination of The Enforcement Services Association (ESA) and the entrance examination of The Association of British investigators (ABI). He has the mix of both operational and managerial experience and skills.

“It is formal recognition of the achievements we have strived for in the past 12 months and proves that our business strategies are working. In particular, we feel that our introduction of the two hour eviction service and joint ventures with legal advisors to provide a three day court order for squatters has played a key part in this.

In his career his managerial positions have included the Enforcement Director at JBW Group, a Director of the Association of British Investigators, CEO at National Enforcement Services, Enforcement Manager at Drakes Group (now Marston Group), and Operations Director at DAC Bailiffs (now part of Philips Collections).

“Also, without the right staff, both behind the scenes and at the sharp end, any business would fail quickly - we feel our staff play a pivotal role within our business and have contributed in us receiving this award once again.”

Andy’s bailiff experience includes every debt type from commercial rent and arrest to High Court writs. He is a co-founder of the Association of Professional Process Servers (APPS) and also a former council member of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), and a former Governing Council member of the Association of British Investigators (ABI). “Enforcement advisors carry out many problem solving duties behind the scenes setting up strategies, planning operations, delivering the logistics quickly to deal with the problems and conducting the risk assessments,” explains Andy.

With regards to the future, Andy foresees further growth for the company, following the opening of a Carlisle office in 2016 to serve its clients in Cumbria. “We feel that, whilst all support should be centralised at our head office, regional offices are essential to maintain good local ties with clients. Local offices also give us the ability to provide a quick locally focused service to all clients. We would look at expanding this during 2017 and plan to open an office in the West Midlands.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI21

Company: Gulfstream Mergers Name: Mike Sherry Vice-President Email: MSherry@ Gulfstreammergers.com Web: www.gulfstreammergers.com Address: 17111 Kenton Drive, Cornelius, North Carolina 28031 Phone: +1 704 892 5151

Advice You Can Count On Gulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions is a full-service mergers and acquisitions firm, recently awarded the prestigious Leading Financial Adviser of the Year – USA award, after which we caught up with Mike Sherry, Vice President, to learn more about their success.

ulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions is a full-service mergers and acquisitions firm that has successfully completed over 500 transactions for our clients throughout the United States since 1993. Gulfstream’s services include divestures-including full or partial, company grooming, valuation services, and acquiring companies for select clients.

Leading Financial Adviser of the Year – USA award Mr. Sherry told us, “Everyone at Gulfstream Mergers is enormously enthusiastic to be recognised as a true global leader by a reputable organisation such as Acquisition International. Accolades like this provides us with worldwide recognition that simply can’t be bought.

“More broadly speaking, as a full service, mergers & acquisitions firm, we handle the entire process for our clients.” This prestigious award serves as a confirmation that the talented individuals making up our company are doing things the right way. Any time a company is recognised as a global leader by a group such as Acquisition International, it validates the efforts and strategies that our clients have come to count on from Gulfstream Mergers.” Company overview The team at Gulfstream Mergers and Acquisitions are recognised experts in the acquisition, merger, and selling of companies. Transaction services include: an accurate market valuation of the company, effective marketing, personal and ethical relationships with all parties involved, in depth negotiating skills, due diligence expertise, cooperation and creative solutions for legal and accounting advisers and traditional and alternative sources of financing. In addition to M&A transactions, Gulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions assists companies whose principals are looking for liquidity but also want to retain control or to take their company public through a reverse merger. Gulfstream also has the professional team in place to take a company from private to public.

54 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

Divestures Gulfstream’s four-step process has been developed and fine-tuned over the years to allow their client a complete understanding of the options and opportunities that await in a step-bystep, methodical manner. The process of selling a business is meticulous and time consuming – and they will never sacrifice quality for quantity of deals. Company grooming/exit planning These should preferably be undertaken 2-5 years before a business (or equity stake) is offered for sale. Along with extensive business strategy and trying to improve the bottom line, creating clean historical financials (3 years) and maintaining and empowering employees is critical. These are a few of the indicators that sophisticated buyers want to see in place. Valuations Gulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions is proud that their team includes experts in the field of valuations. Both sell-side and buy side-clients depend on Gulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions for accurate and dependable valuations. Their business valuations follow the requirements of a “valuation engagement”, as that term is defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Standards for Valuation Services No. 1 (SSVS No. 1). Acquisitions Gulfstream Mergers & Acquisitions has an established 24-year history of assisting our select buy-side clients in acquisition strategies, achieving external growth or purchasing companies for investment. Their goal is simple; to reduce and minimise their client’s risk potential, their wasted time and money by minimising the acquisition risk. The role of people – advisers and staff On his role at Gulfstream, Sherry said, “I am responsible for overall sales strategy as well as the company’s domestic and international expansion. Regarding current initiatives, “Most recently, I have been working on our 2017 Northeast expansion rollout, which includes the development of our Philadelphia office.” On how Gulfstream is different than typical M&A firms and Business Brokers, ”As a full service, mergers & acquisitions firm, we handle the entire process for our clients. From the initial intake of a new client, we understand that they still have a business to run, so we take special care to handle

all activities involved. Some of these include, creating the initial go to market strategies and marketing materials, planning the meetings and making introductions to our strategic partners that can help our clients in very specific areas. We truly handle the process from beginning to completion.” Mike continued, “In terms of the clients we serve, we are agnostic. We have an impeccable track record of completed transactions in over 30 industries from California to the Carolinas. Gulfstream looks for quality companies that are ready to explore possible exit and growth strategies and then works with them individually based on their specific needs. There is no cookie cutter approach here.” On the subject of people, “I would like to stress the vital role that our dedicated and talented staff play. Without them, we would not have obtained the success that we have enjoyed over the past 24 years. These individuals each play a key part in all phases of what we do.” Plans for the future Sherry believes that the future is bright. “We are growing and continually adding to our inside staff. The goal for 2017 is to open our next office in the Boston area and, in 2018, we plan on expanding operations to the Midwest and Southwest. Lastly, I would like to add that while we serve clients in the United States, we do source potential buyers/ investors and sellers globally, including Canada, Asia, Europe and Latin America.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1705AI19

We Are a Family Company: GSIC - Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy Name: Joel Miranda Angon   Email: joelangon@ goldensummitph.com   Web: www.goldensummitph.com Address: Ground Floor, CL Properties Building, 14 J Llorente cor. J. Osmeña Sts., Capitol Site, Cebu City, Philippines 6000 Phone: +63 32 2554370

GSIC – Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy is a Philippine-based immigration consultancy firm with a mission to help Filipino professionals who are interested to migrate to New Zealand by providing honest, straight-forward and up-to-date information that will aid in the decision of its customers. We interviewed the firm’s Joel Miranda Angon who turns the spotlight on the firm’s work following their achievement in winning the Leading Global Mobility & Immigration Adviser of the Year award, exclusive to the Philippines. SIC completely supports and adheres to the migration plans and directions of New Zealand. At this stage, an increasing number of professionals are looking at further developing their expertise and knowledge through study – doctorate, masters, postgraduate diplomas, graduate diplomas, degrees, diplomas and certificates.

clients – indeed relatives, friends and colleagues come to us with the endorsements of former clients who have become successful in New Zealand. We also provide regular public seminars in various key cities around the Philippines through the eight offices of the company in Cebu, Cavite, Davao, Manila, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro and General Santos.”

New Zealand is very welcoming country with a multi-cultural society, not to mention the warm and friendly people, which attract many international students from around the globe, in various industries like health, business, accounting, IT, engineering, tourism and hospitality to discover the high quality and world-recognised education system. Joel then outlines the firm’s excellent relationships with their clients.

Joel then proceeds to share his thoughts on winning the Leading Global Mobility & Immigration Adviser of the Year award for the Philippines.

“The award is a huge honour and inspiration. It truly means a lot to all who work at GSIC. To us, it is a confirmation of the kind of personalised and quality customer service we have been strongly embracing as a corporate culture over the years.” “So, this is where GSIC takes pride as firm, we have strong and long-standing relationships with Universities, Institutes of Technology, polytechnics and private training establishments across the whole New Zealand giving our customers a whole range of choices from up north to down south of the country. “A large percentage of the clients GSIC deals with are professionals, with some years of work experience, individuals who aim to pursue further study to up their knowledge and expertise, as well as expanding their potential on the global business stage. “Golden Summit Immigration Consultancy benefits greatly from the referrals of happy and satisfied

56 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“GSIC has been in the business for more than 12 years, so it is quite surreal that an international award giving body has recognised us for the work that we do. As the director and head of the company, I consider this award as an inspiration to further the quality of service we provide our customers and to ensure that we continue to uphold the same ethical standards that propelled the company to its current level. “The award is a huge honour and inspiration. It truly means a lot to all who work at GSIC. To us, it is a confirmation of the kind of personalised and quality customer service we have been strongly embracing as a corporate culture over the years.” Joel’s own role in the company as an advisor is an a fully licensed immigration adviser of the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand. This is a government entity authorising and supervising advisers all across the globe who are providing immigration advise to those aiming to travel, study and/or migrate to New Zealand. He then tells us more about his own role in further detail and the team of seasoned individuals he works with. “As a ‘fully’ licensed adviser, I am authorised to provide information on nearly all immigration matters – visitor, study, work, professional migration, family reunification, partnership entry as well as business migration. “As a licensed immigration adviser - I am responsible in ensuring that all applications lodged with Immigration New Zealand are well assessed from the initial engagement with the customers, to preparation of the acceptable and verifiable documents - to dealing with questions and

concerns of the customers with a mutual objective of safeguarding the success of the visa application. Each application lodged with Immigration New Zealand bears my name and my license, providing a level of confidence with customers that their application is well managed and protected.” “GSIC comprises of a team of ethical, highlymotivated, success-driven and customer-focused individuals embracing one culture – ‘success in making others successful’. We agree that each member is as important as the rest, because we believe that we are not just a business firm, but that ‘we are a family’. Joel ends the interview on an optimistic note, outlining his vision for the firm’s future. “GSIC aims to make 2017 as the best year for the company – with the greatest number of happy and satisfied and eventually successful clients – and more cities and municipalities across the Philippines to visit and share the opportunities New Zealand offers. Additionally, we strive for increased knowledge and expertise among the GSIC team members through technical and training sessions, not to mention stronger business relationships with NZ schools and better and more sturdy relationships with the New Zealand government institutions.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1702AI114

Company: Intercorp Group Web: www.intercorpgroup.com Address: 45 Pont Street, SW1X 0BD Phone: +44 (0) 203 427 3308

Expert Advice When You Need It Leading Advisors of the Year - Property Investment Advisor of the Year – UK award winner Intercorp Group is a privately owned high-level consulting firm, which provides tax, estate planning and fiduciary structure solutions to high-net-worth families. To celebrate their success, we invited them to profile a choice selection of the marvellous services they provide.

ntercorp Group functions as an accessible interface, streamlining intelligence from an elite global network of professionals and specialists and ultimately bestowing on clients both the knowledge, confidence and solutions to handle their matters in the best possible way.

Our services include: International investment structuring A primary concern of high-net-worth families is ensuring their wealth is sustainable, protected both now and for future generations. As a result, many families have long mobilised their assets internationally, safeguarding them against political, economic or social instability.

“Ultimately, Intercorp Group professionals work to help clients reconcile the consequences of different structures for their real estate investment and decide on a bespoke solution.” Intercorp’s consultants have at their disposal a number of investment vehicles and structures, each of which can have a positive impact upon the tax liability of the investments they support. At the heart of this is a tax efficiency programme, which employs our comprehensive knowledge of jurisdictional rules to identify the best opportunities for return. While our consultants will never offer recommendations on the suitability of individual investments, the team is accomplished at advising the client’s fund managers on the best type of investment vehicles, always in full appreciation of tax legislation and the objective of the investment. We are committed to keeping abreast of developments in these areas and regularly appraise and update our advice in line with such developments.

58 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

Protection of family businesses abroad Expanding the family company into other territories and the necessary safeguarding of both its intellectual property and its potential for multijurisdictional wealth generation As a natural consequence of family members moving abroad, many family businesses are expanding into other territories, bringing forth a plethora of considerations regarding the protection of the business. In terms of intellectual property, while clients will have taken care of the processes required to register and protect their brand under domestic legislation, this protection often will not survive under another jurisdiction. As the business expands, both the brand identity and the fundamental concept – the processes or products it trades on – are vulnerable to exploitation by competitors. Intercorp Group ensures the effective preservation and development of brands and intellectual property across several jurisdictions, working with each business to define and integrate the value of their brand and their idea into legally recognised assets of the company. Our team can then execute the necessary registration of these assets through trademarks, patents, designs and copyright in each country of operation. In addition, Intercorp Group regularly advises on the tax implications of cross-border expansion, identifying and mitigating issues surrounding the current business relationships and educating clients on solutions yielded through the formation of offshore holding companies. Our consultants will engage with our global network of professionals to draw upon expertise spanning corporate and commercial contracts, intellectual property, data protection, tax, banking and finance, employment and immigration, ultimately acting as trusted advisor for the client, throughout the entirety of the process. Asset protection In making new investments internationally and outside of the family business, the potential liability for risk, naturally increases. Intercorp works alongside both the families and their existing advisors to identify ways in which to minimise such risks.

Our consultants will assess and properly protect the invested assets and effectively structure the business to ensure the risks fall directly and solely on the capital to be invested. Our global perspective is particularly valuable for these types of engagements, as we ensure that any structuring undertaken is enforceable and reliable across all territories. Corporate restructuring Preparing for a sale, merger, acquisition or initial public offering of the family company; the strategic counsel required to design and implement purchase and sale structures; cross-border tax implication and pre-transaction due. Many family businesses reach a point of maturity, which demands the anticipation of a change in structure. This commonly manifests as either: an initial public offering (IPO); a private investment; or a merger or sale, each of these requiring exceptional skill, sensitivity and precision in their execution. Intercorp Group regularly provides counsel on such matters, working collaboratively with existing advisors and our trusted network of professionals. Our consultants perform a pre-due diligence investigation on the clients’ business, highlighting potential complications that could affect the proposed restructuring and the company’s corporate attractiveness to other parties. This diagnostics report is a strategic and consolidated representation of the very best advice and clear identification of the courses of action required for their implementation. Intercorp will then advise on the appropriate structures for the transaction, paying special regard to both cross-border tax liabilities and the potential implications of these on the family’s overall wealth, following the completion of the transaction. Real estate investment Investing in property in other territories; the requirements to consider and mitigate estate tax obligations in both domicile and destination jurisdictions. Investment in real estate is a very natural endeavour for high-net-worth families who are in pursuit of more tangible ways to invest their wealth. Particularly popular, is foreign investment in the US and UK real estate markets which each raise several estate tax liability issues. These in turn, must be mitigated to achieve the families’ investment objectives. Intercorp Group manages the acquisition and financing processes in collaboration with our network of legal and commercial professionals across the world. Our advice always pays due regard to the individual needs of the family as well as the tax implications imposed both by their domestic jurisdiction as well as those of the country in which they wish to invest. Ultimately, Intercorp Group professionals work to help clients reconcile the consequences of different structures for their real estate investment and decide on a bespoke solution.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1711AI16

Company: SCWP Schindhelm Contact: Jacqueline Lehner Address: Wächtergasse 1, 1010 Wien, Austria Phone: 0043 1 9050100 Email: j.lehner@scwp.com

Providing Global Excellence in Legal Services SCWP Schindhelm is a German-language alliance of European commercial law firms with offices in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Asia Pacific region. We profile the firm to learn more and find out how it came to win the title of ‘Leading Estate Adviser of the Year – Austria’ in our Leading Adviser Awards 2017.

axinger Chalupsky & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH (SCWP Schindhelm) is one of the leading law firms in Austria. The firm is a member of the German-speaking Schindhelm alliance of European commercial law firms with offices in Central / Eastern Europe and Asia / Pacific. In its legal advice, the firm rely on proven excellent quality, supporting clients both at home and abroad.

With strong roots in the local markets, Schindhelm is able to be on site wherever its valued clients need them. The firm’s dedicated team are able to speak a variety of languages, with proven excellent quality in legal consulting, ensuring truly exceptional quality service for everyone they support. Due to the globalization of markets, cross-border investments are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, the group advise not only domestic companies that want to operate in the Eastern 60 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

European and Asian markets, but also Eastern European and Asian companies, which are interested in a local market entry. Operating collaboratively, the firm works as part of the Schindhelm Alliance, which currently operates with more than 200 lawyers in 24 locations in 12 countries. This allows the company to offer a truly global approach to legal service and ensure that it has both local knowledge and presence wherever its clients need them to be. Recently, thanks to the expansion of the firm’s Spanish partner law firm Lozano Schindhelm, SCWP Schindhelm is now represented at locations in Bilbao and Madrid. This global growth will continue moving forward as the firm seeks to build upon its current success and offer clients the same internationally renowned legal services that they have become accustomed to.

1711AI47

Company: Prosperity IFA Contact: Simon Munday (Independent Financial Advisor) Address: Tubwell Farm, Tubwell Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6 3RQ, UK Telephone: 01892 300303 Contact Email: simon. munday@prosperityifa.com Web Address: www.prosperityifa.com

Personalised Service to Bring Prosperity Prosperity IFA is a firm of independent financial advisors and mortgage brokers offering holistic advice to clients from all walks of life. We spoke to Independent Financial Advisor Simon Munday to explore how the firm came to win ‘Leading Independent Financial Adviser of the Year – UK’ in our Leading Adviser Awards 2017. ounded in 2012, Prosperity IFA is an independent financial advice company based in East Sussex providing insurance, investments, mortgages, pensions and Inheritance Tax Planning. Simon discusses how the firm has flourished since it was established to offer a vast array of services.

“Since inception Prosperity IFA has grown from a one advisor firm with myself at the helm, to a firm with 14 advisors covering Kent, Sussex and Surrey. We have several office locations and some of the advisors work from home. The head office is based in Crowborough, East Sussex and there are other offices in East Grinstead and Polegate. From these bases, we advise clients on a wide variety of objectives starting with those who are just starting out on their investment journey through to individuals who are looking for inheritance tax planning and wealth management. Additionally, we assist clients who are looking for mortgages and life assurance products and ensure that clients are always on track for meeting their long-term goals and aspirations.” Central to the firm’s success is its client focused approach, which helps Prosperity IFA to provide bespoke solutions tailored to the client’s individual needs, as Simon is eager to emphasise. “Our business is 100% focused around our clients and their goals, our whole investment strategy is a goals based approach. It is important to us that we understand what our clients are trying to achieve and also when. From gaining a real understanding of their goals and objectives it allows us to provide solutions that are tailor-made to the individual rather than pigeonholing clients to suit products. “To ensure excellence at all times, we have a robust and repeatable process which means that all of our advisors work in exactly the same way and therefore every client has a similar experience. Our in-house investment committee coupled with outsourcing to a couple of discretionary fund managers allows us to build investment propositions for clients looking to achieve a huge variety of outcomes.” Staff are key factor in the firm’s success, and as such Simon is proud to be able to thank them as he

highlights how important this award is to him and the Prosperity IFA team. “It is an honour to be a part of the Leading Advisor Awards 2017 and it is always nice to be recognised for the hard work that we put in. In an industry where we are so heavily regulated and we have so much to consider, to be acknowledged as a leader in your field is something to be extremely proud of. “This success can be attributed to everyone in the firm, from the Directors right through to the admin and support staff, because everyone plays their part and contributes to the overall experience for the client, and as such I am proud of everything that we have all achieved together.” Looking ahead, Simon’s ongoing focus for Prosperity IFA is on supporting clients regardless of their wealth, as he explains in his concluding comments. “Following the RDR a few years ago we were really keen to come up with a proposition that helps to bridge the advice gap that has been created so that we can continue to work with a wide variety of clients. As such, we have an automated advice service for clients with a lower net worth, typically up to £50,000 of investable assets, that has proved very popular. The expertise behind the solution is not dissimilar to our larger clients but we are able to cut out the costs involved with a face to face service. “Alongside this, we also have a variety of investment solutions available to clients with higher levels of investable assets and expertise in looking at all aspects of a portfolio, including construction and tax efficiency. For our higher net worth individuals, typically with investable assets of over £1,000,000 we can also offer a bespoke investment solution. This flexible approach will remain our core aim as we seek to build upon our current success. “Fundamentally, we are always looking at ways that we can drive the business forwards, our service and proposition is second to none and through this we will continue to grow the firm and reputation over the coming years. We are due to open a second office in Crowborough shortly which will provide us with many great opportunities for further success.” Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1711AI93

Company: Leapership Consultants Group Contact: Dr Antoine Eid Address: 12th Flr, Sarkis Group Bldg, Dbayeh, Lebanon Phone: 001 961 45 45 3 45 Contact Email: antoine@leapership.com Website: www.leapership.com

Leapership Consultants Group: Leading the Pack Leapership Consultants Group is a team of Leadership and Performance consultants bringing a scientific approach to Leadership Development based on Neuroscience, Genetics and Psychology. We invited Dr Antoine Eid to tell us more about the firm and the techniques it employs which have earned it ‘Leading Leadership and Management Consultant of the Year - Middle East’ in our prestigious Leading Adviser Awards 2017. stablished in 2013, Leapership Consultants is a leading team of consultants from different industries working together to address various development needs in different parts of the world. Antoine discusses the group’s service offering and how it works collaboratively to ensure success for everyone it works with.

“Here at Leapership Consultants, we have worked in over 23 countries with different types of organizations and industries giving us a wide international experience, which we put to good use through our offices in Dubai, Cambridge and Beirut. As part of our role within the industry, we work closely with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, at the University of Cambridge to promote Leadership Capacity building for a Sustainable future, economy, people and environment. “Our innovative solutions include validated DNAbased Leadership Testing, as well as psychometric tools. We work together with organizations to identify Talents, Strengths and Brain Preferences and build development plans and capacity building accordingly.” Since inception, Leapership Consultants have utilised an innovative and unique approach to leadership, which Antoine is happy to discuss with us. “When we started this group, we made a strategic decision based on our observation of market needs to specialize in Leadership Assessment and Development and move away from soft skills training commonly available in the market. To ensure we become the market reference in this area, we partnered with world-class providers including the University of Cambridge, Emergenetics International, AAI, Central Test and Karmagenes. “Our partners help us provide a wider spectrum of measurement tools able to cover all areas from genetic identification of potential to neuroscientific discovery of brain preferences all the way to 62 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

behavioural, cognitive and skills analysis. Then comes our experiential approach to facilitating the learning. Our delivery is very personalized and always customized to every client while avoiding typical PowerPoint style lectures. Leadership to us is a practise not a theory and we make sure every concept is explained through a designed group activity.” “Moving forward, Leapership Consultants have a number of exciting developments ahead which Antoine is keen to share with us. “Looking to the future, we are on an ongoing mission to keep up with the latest neuroscience and genetic research and integrate new findings in our leadership development solutions. This is proving to be very challenging, but exciting at the same time given how fast the science is growing currently. “Recently, we have been working with an amazing team at the University of Cambridge CISL, to provide a Strategic Leadership Tour in the Middle East which will start in February 2018 in Dubai, Riyadh, Doha and Kuwait. We will be bringing through this tour the greatest minds known to advise international organizations to share their knowledge with local leaders. Additionally, we also have a great partnership with a wonderful team of brilliant genetic scientists based in Switzerland to help us provide and administer Leadership DNA testing. We believe this is going to be the future of Leadership Development and we’re proud to be the first to introduce it to the Middle East market.”

1708AI15

Company: WH Partners Contact: Rehana Sharma Email: Rehana.Sharma@ whpartners.eu Address: Level 5 Quantum House, 75 Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX1120, Malta Phone: 00356 2092 5100 Website: whpartners.eu

Leading the way for Legal Excellence WH Partners was formed in 2012 by Olga Finkel and James Scicluna and built on the successful practice run by Olga Finkel from 2006 called WH Law. We profiled the firm to further explore the secrets behind its success and what makes them Leading Gambling Law Adviser of the Year – Malta and Leading Adviser Awards 2017. H Partners is a Malta-based leading law firm with expertise in assets and wealth management, citizenship, corporate finance, employment, fund management, gaming and gambling, investment funds, maritime, mergers and acquisitions, property, tax, technology, and securitisation. The firm and its lawyers are highly ranked by the foremost independent legal directories and have won acclaimed international awards for its service levels in a number of practice areas.

Standing out in the very competitive legal industry, the firm has now established itself as a leading Malta-based business law firm best known for its strong understanding of the digital economy as well as for advising stake holders in the fields of education, financial services, gaming and gambling, leisure and hospitality, real estate, taxation and wealth management. The firm’s corporate, M&A, tax, IP, employment and regulatory lawyers are very active advising businesses across a raft of these areas. Regarding the different offerings, it provides to various clients, the firm’s private client practice deals on an ongoing basis with high to very high net worth individuals. Plus, there are also family offices on matters ranging from succession planning and residence to yacht and aircraft registration. Predominantly operating from its Maltese offices, the company does have consulting rooms in London. WH Partners is passionately committed to supporting CSR work and continue to work tirelessly with a number worthy causes. Clients do business with the practice because they know that the firm’s lawyers are among the strongest in Malta in their respective practice areas. Taking note of feedback and working to produce the best service, the legal team and staff are well regarded by regulators and clients for their thoroughness, efficiency and knowledge of their clients’ business, as well as their versatility. Moving on to the firm’s founders and partners; Olga Finkel is a lawyer by profession who is widely regarded and respected for her knowledge of gambling and technology law, as well as corporate governance and AML compliance matters. She is consistently highly ranked by Chambers & Partners as a top-tier global gaming law expert.

Olga provides advice on strategic, commercial, intellectual property and regulatory matters to businesses in the digital and high-tech industries, including gaming, financial services and Fintech, digital content development. Additionally, Olga holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta as well as a Master of Science degree in IT and Economics from the Academy of Economics, Kharkov, Ukraine. She is a lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta. James Scicluna, is co-managing partner and founder of WH Partners and a Malta Advocate and a Solicitor of the Senior Court of England and Wales. Well-known for his in-depth knowledge of the gaming and gambling industry, he advises some of the World’s major gaming brands on significant transactions. A member of the advisory team to the Malta Gaming Authority on the overhaul of gaming regulations in Malta, James has also advised the MGA on a variety of other matters. James is a highly-ranked lawyer by the foremost independent legal directories in a number of practice areas, including gaming and gambling by Chambers & Partners Global. He is a sought after speaker at gaming and gambling conferences and has authored several articles in reputable industry publications, as well as chapters on gaming legislation and the legal insight of the industry in Malta. Alongside this, he is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors and of the International Masters of Gaming Law, amongst others and is a lecturer in gaming law at the University of Malta. Ultimately, WH Partners are delighted to be part of these awards, believing it is a fantastic accolade for the company. The team are dedicated and committed in all practice areas. With a business model and philosophy of putting the customer first, the future is bright for WH Partners. Matching and surpassing the needs of the customer in an efficient manner is at the heart of the company’s vision. Management and the rest of the staff will continue to build on its key practice areas.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1710AI19

Company: Squire Patton Boggs Contact: Richard J. Gibbon Email: richard.gibbon@ squirepb.com Address: Dubai International Financial Centre, Buri Daman Office Tower, Level 10, P.O. Box 111713, Dubai, UAE. Phone: 00 971 55 162 1633 Website: www.squirepattonboggs.com

A Full Service Advice Firm with a Premier White Collar Offering Squire Patton Boggs (SPB) is a full-service global law firm, with a multidisciplinary team of over 1,500 lawyers in 46 offices across 20 countries. We profile the firm and Richard J. Gibbon, as he is named in the Leading Adviser Awards 2017 as Leading White Collar Crime Adviser of the Year – UAE. ffering a variety of services, SPB advises a diverse mix of clients, from Fortune 100 and FTSE 100 corporations to emerging companies and from individuals to local and national governments.

SPB’s Government Investigation and White Collar Practice services are required now more than ever. The financial and legal sectors are becoming increasingly complex, with the global business environment becoming more regulated. Therefore, multinational and global business enterprises, plus financial intermediaries and even government and sovereign entities, must be conscientious about how they balance innovation and investment with compliance and must therefore have exceptional government investigation and white collar counsel at hand who can quickly and deftly address all such issues. SPB’s Government Investigation and White Collar Practice offers formidable resources around the globe, to effectively represent clients faced with potential investigations and any parallel civil and criminal prosecution. Possessing a wealth of experience and expertise, the team is full of people with diverse backgrounds, notably, former seniorranking litigation and trial lawyers who enhanced their skills inside U.S. attorney offices, as well as the U.S. Departments of Justice, to name just a few agencies. As a mark of its excellent reputation and depth of experience, the firm has been involved in four of the 10 largest U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and UK Bribery Act (UKBA) anticorruption investigations, including as Monitor in one of the largest FCPA matters. Working closely with in-house counsel to address government inquires and investigations, the firm’s Government Investigation and White Collar Practice adds value in three different ways: assessment, response, and defence. Beginning with assessment, the firm evaluates existing compliance and ethics policies and procedures to determine whether there is some

64 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

deficiency or conduct that could give rise to liability on the part of a client, any of its officers or employees, or even liability on the part of the board of directors. The firm then examines claims of misconduct or alleged regulatory violations even before they are reported to government officials in order to determine whether an independent investigation is warranted and, if so, whether any corrective action should be taken. SPB coordinates investigations between or among different agencies or governments, including in hearings before legislative bodies, regulatory agencies and grand juries. It responds to subpoenas, civil investigative demands or other requests for information, including taking steps to ensure that all documents and information are secured through an appropriate “litigation hold,” and electronic discovery is managed appropriately and in a cost-effective manner. Finally, the firm defends administrative enforcement actions or investigations brought by any number of banking or other regulatory agencies, including policies and procedures employed by the client, as well as any derivative class actions seeking damages or injunctive relief, or grand jury proceedings. An important part of the firm’s global presence, SPB’s offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai bring all the benefits of more than 50 years’ experience in the region with lawyers on the ground in the UAE for more than 20 years. Versatility is a strong part of the firm’s service, as it represents government departments, governmentowned entities, private businesses, family offices and individuals across the seven Emirates, as well as international clients with interests in the UAE and the MENA region. A key indicator of its success and ability, SPB was honoured to act as legal advisers to the private office of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan for more than 20 years. Richard J. Gibbon is a member of the firm’s Government Investigation and White Collar

A Full Service Advice Firm with a Premier White Collar Offering

Practice, and he sits full time in SPB’s Dubai office. Like SPB as a whole, Richard has a wealth of relevant experience, having represented multinational corporates and other clients across the Middle East, North Africa, India Pacific, Levant, and Europe in connection with anticorruption and economic sanctions regimes. In the context of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and UK Bribery Act (UKBA), Richard has conducted internal investigations into alleged misconduct and international investigations into alleged noncompliance by foreign agents and business partners, he has addressed the implications of the laws as part of M&A due diligence, he has analysed and developed business conduct standards and compliance controls, and he has provided training sessions. Versatile like the firm, he has also advised on the scope of economic sanctions administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and has guided clients when responding to criminal and civil government inquiries. Currently, Richard is assisting a number of different financial institutions across the Middle East, Levant, and Europe with the investigation of potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws and representation before OFAC, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and other U.S. and home-country enforcement agencies and regulators. Richard also lectures at the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi on the International Business Law Master’s Degree, and has recently supervised two students’ theses on the use of non-prosecution agreements (NPA’s) and deferred prosecution agreements (DPA’s) to resolve government enforcement actions and the implications of Brexit on the UK’s economic sanctions regime. Overall, knowledge and experience have been— and continue to be—key to SPB’s success. Richard Gibbon will certainly play an important part in the firm’s future, as it works to solidify its position as the dominant, market leading Investigations and White Collar Practice in the Middle East.

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1612CV41

WÜLFING ZEUNER RECHEL Partnerschaft Rechtsanwälte

Company: Wülfing Zeuner Rechel (WZR) Name: Dr Thomas Wülfing (Marketing: Daniel Wietstock) Email: hamburg@wzr-legal.com Web Address: www.wzr-legal.com Address: Lehmweg 17 D–20251 Hamburg, Germany Telephone: +49 40 480 639 0

Successful MultiDisciplinary Law Firm

WZR

Wülfing Zeuner Rechel (WZR) is a law firm, focused on offering legal services to medium sized cases. The firm was delighted to achieve the Exclusive Leading Adviser of the Year – Germany accolade, as part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. To mark this success, we interviewed Dr. Thomas Wülfing, the founding partner, to find out more about the firm’s impressive track record in the provision of legal services. ülfing Zeuner Rechel WZR) emerged from another law firm, back in 2005. The founding members were Dr. Thomas Wülfing, Rafael Villena y Scheffler, Prof. Dr. Mark Zeuner and Dr. Hans-Peter Rechel. Since then, the law firm has steadily grown and has taken on more partners over the years.

Since the establishment of the law firm, the team has continued to grow. Today, there are more than 20 professionals (i.e. lawyers and tax consultants) working for WZR. WZR operates offices in Hamburg, Cologne, Rostock, Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Schwerin, Dubai, Beijing, Tehran and Zurich.

Dr. Wülfing then keenly tells us how it feels to be selected as Exclusive Leading Adviser of the Year – Germany, as part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017, in his own words.

Together with two in-house tax consulting firms and an associated audit firm, Wülfing Zeuner Rechel (WZR) offers fully integrated services. Therefore, WZR is considered a multi-disciplinary law firm that covers business and corporate and tax law, but also more specialised areas such as labour law, IT law and inheritance law.

“It is an honour for our law firm to be part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. The appreciation and recognition associated with it is based on the professional and competent work of all members of the WZR Group. Every employee plays a significant role in the continuous success of the firm and is, therefore, also responsible for the award.

Dr. Thomas Wülfing starts by revealing how the firm stands out in the work they do and the strong support given to clients. He also outlines the legal areas the firm specialises in.

“As part of the Leading Adviser Awards 2017, our task is to maintain the high-quality service and the professionalism towards the clients. Our goal is to successfully complete a financial year and to build on it during the next year. For us, success means, firstly, to have satisfied clients and to build professional relationships with them for many years. A successful and always trusting collaboration between consultants, employees and clients is the basis for mutual success. In addition, this award is the acknowledgement of our long-term work. The personal commitment and the trustworthy approach to the client, leads to the conclusion that the path that was taken, is the right one.”

“The firm stands out through its personal approach to its clients and its pragmatic view, as well as both our approach and philosophy. WZR is wellknown for its non-bureaucratic and straightforward support, in often long-lasting relationships with our clients.

“The appreciation and recognition associated with it is based on the professional and competent work of all members of the WZR Group.” “Our renowned law firm supports clients in both the shaping and realising of their visions. The cooperation between WZR and our clients is based on already long-lasting relationships and an efficient and transparent fee structure, which is particularly important for clients. 66 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

“WZR offers comprehensive support for mediumsized client cases. In addition to commercial, corporate and tax law, the portfolio of services they offer also includes insolvency administration, restructuring advice, labour law, as well as IP, IT and copyright laws. Moreover, the firm has a decentralised focus on the other fields, such as criminal tax law as well as banking and inheritance law consulting.”

Dr. Thomas Wülfing as the founding and responsible partner of WZR is the leading specialist in the areas of corporate law, commercial law and tax law. He is also the managing director of WZR Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft mbH and WVS Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH. He advises the managing directors, board members and partners of well-known companies in all matters of national and international commercial law. He is a praised consultant in resolving corporate conflicts, conducting complex business transactions and developing tax-optimising strategies.

Successful Multi-Disciplinary Law Firm

Thomas then reveals more about his own specialist areas, plus more of the firm’s expertise and what they can offer to potential future clients. “As a corporate and tax lawyer and, above all, as the initiator of the international consulting firm Germela, I am thoroughly familiar with the legal and business issues that arise during operations of a German firm abroad. “WZR offers full-range service packages, for medium sized businesses in most areas of the law. When it comes to labour law, we support our clients in the cases of insolvency, in-company training advice on the right to dismiss, the right to employee representation, co-determination, collective bargaining and the drafting of contracts. “On energy and infrastructure, our focus is the renewable energy as well as projects in the field of transport infrastructure, especially airports and sea ports. We support our clients in engineering, supply and installation contracts (in individual lots or as an EPC/Turnkey project) and the corresponding maintenance contracts (O&M). “In terms of inheritance law, I would say that basing on your ideas and requirements as a private individual, we structure a testament ensuring a conflict-free transfer of assets to the next generation by drawing on all legal possibilities. We regulate the legal framework for handing over your firm to the next generation, according to your wishes and visions.” Thomas keenly outlines to us further aspects of the firm’s work. “On corporate law, the firm will support and advise you in all questions regarding this. When it comes to commercial law, we advise and support you in all questions concerning service contracts, sales law, cooperation agreements in joint ventures, commercial representatives, international commercial law, drafting of terms and conditions as well as litigation and arbitration. “In the field of real estate law, we advise on all aspects of real estate law, real estate transactions, property purchase agreement drafting, commercial co-contracting, rental management, housing property law, real estate funds and project development. In addition, the bankruptcy law department accompanies you in the insolvency administration, in the preparation of an insolvency plan, in a transfer of remediation, in the selfadministration/protection screening process, in credit counselling and debt counselling, in the supplier pool as well as in insolvency law. “We also support you in M&A worldwide, international corporate law, international commercial law as well as acquisition of the real estate abroad. We support you in all aspects of IT, brand and competition law. If all that wasn’t enough, then WZR can also provide experienced mediators to solve a conflict. WZR advises you in all areas of the media, entertainment and culture.” The firm can also aid you in medical law – for example in clinic succession plans, contract law, fee questions, profitability and plausibility checks,

health insurance law, medical care centres, home and care law as well as the hospital bill. They also advise on restructuring, refurbishment, banking and financing, tax restructuring, distressed M&A and asset protection. WZR also advise their clients on self-reporting, international tax law, company auditing, charity and foundations and German tax reporting for banks and their German clients especially in Luxemburg, Switzerland and Austria (WZR German Tax Reporting Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH). Or perhaps you need support in the criminal-free selfreporting as well as a tax criminal procedures? Thomas adds that as a partner, WZR support you in public building and construction law, antitrust law, aid law, environmental law as well as in banking and capital market law and administrative representation. In closing, he explains the type of clients the firm serves and how they are approached. Daniel also reveals the vital role that staff play in the success of WZR’s and the firm’s outlook for the future. “We offer comprehensive support for medium-sized companies. WZR is a frequently recommended

law firm, which acquires and brings together its clients through participation in events, as well as the organisation of its own seminars and events. WZR is a law firm that focuses on cost efficiency and transparent, comprehensible and thus regularly satisfactory fee structure for clients. These characteristics are important factors when acquiring new clients, giving WZR the edge over comparable companies. “The role of WZR’s employees is a significant factor for us. Now, there is a young staff structure in place that gives us both the opportunity and the freedom to bring new ideas as well as impulses into the law firm and as such, to bring them within the employees. Therefore, WZR can continue to develop and remain at the forefront of its time. Innovative ideas and visions, paired with entrepreneurial thinking are native to the WZR philosophy and as such, they form a unique selling for us point in the market place today. “Our aim is to continue the successful work we do and continue to fulfil the trust placed in WZR by the clients we serve. Furthermore, WZR’s focus is firmly on the strategic expansion of competencies and a continuing healthy growth.”

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

1708AI25

Company: LexPractis Name: Joseph Giglio Email: info@lexpractis.com Web Address: www.lexpractis.com Address: 98 Archbishop Street, Valletta, VLT 1446, Malta Telephone: +356 2122 1030

A Key Player in Malta’s Success Story LexPractis specialises in all areas of law, albeit with a focus on financial services, tax, corporate and trust law, commercial, intellectual property, civil and family law, employment and labour law, criminal law and litigation. The firm recently celebrated success in receiving the exclusive Leading Adviser of the Year – Malta accolade, within the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. To mark this success, we spoke to the firm’s Joseph Giglio, to learn more about their extraordinary breadth of legal work. n a rapidly changing economic and legal environment, LexPractis recognises the importance of continued education and accordingly, their lawyers regularly attend relevant training courses, seminars and conferences whilst several lawyers within the firm are engaged as lecturers and speakers in such events.

Joseph Giglio is one of the firm’s managing partners, heading up their financial services sector, which includes all aspects related to commercial and tax law. He kicks things off by providing some interesting background to the firm’s work and more about the legal areas they specialise in. “Two of the firm’s partners have been working for us, in their field of practice for over 25 years and the third partner, for 15 years. They have decided to join their legal practice and set you the firm LexPractis Legal last year. “One area we specialise in is aviation. Malta is building a steadfast reputation in the aviation industry, which has grown in the past few years. Malta has implemented a favourable legislative setup and fiscal incentives, to promote and strengthen this industry. This industry has flourished, attracting many major international companies in aircraft leasing and operators of commercial as well as private aircrafts. Airline services range from maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircrafts, engines and components to airline call centres, financial services, software development, aircraft management and support services.

“LexPractis can assist you in achieving the necessary protection, when it comes to intellectual property matters, Joseph reveals.” “We also specialise in banking and finance. On this aspect of our work, Malta’s drive to become a leading financial centre has attracted some of the major operators in this industry. International and local players have established their operations 68 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

here. Malta has witnessed an increase not only in the banking segment, but also in financial institutions that have set up their operations here since the regulatory framework, which also suits their demands. “We also look at civil and family matters. This concerns disputes that involve civil matters, as well as sensitive family disagreements which unfortunately, are encountered frequently and touch on the everyday life of those concerned. Our team of lawyers have acquired many years of experience in this field and possess the necessary expertise in such matters. Due to the nature of such conflicts, we shall first attempt to resolve such matters, before redress to court.” On corporate matters, LexPractis has exponentially built its repute in corporate practice, Joseph tells us. He reveals more about this aspect of the firm’s work, plus their undoubted expertise in commercial, criminal and other matters. “Concerning corporate matters, we primarily assist international clients in cross-border transactions, providing realistic solutions in a timely manner. Our firm prides itself in offering a 360 degrees’ guidance and advice in relation to any issue regarding corporate matters. This includes corporate and tax planning, company and commercial partnership formation, mergers and acquisitions, redomiciliation in and outside Malta, share transfers, dissolution and winding-up, liquidator services, joint ventures, trust companies as well as corporate tax and VAT. “The firm is also qualified to provide advice on corporate and commercial issues, including personal and corporate tax, franchising, intellectual property, immigration, banking, securities law, anti-trust and merger control. Other services we provide, include corporate compliance and company secretarial services for both private and public companies, setting up of brick-and-mortar or online business operations, formation of local and international companies, corporate finance, group restructuring, liquidations and commercial litigation. “When it comes to our work around criminal matters, I would say firstly that Malta is a safe country, with a low percentage of crime. Nevertheless, unfortunate

A Key Player in Malta’s Success Story

situations arise, when persons are charged with having committed a criminal offence. Although the firm deals with all the facets of criminal law, we are particularly focused on such issues which have a corporate aspect. These may range from accidents at the workplace, to money laundering or corporate responsibility in general. Our expertise in the criminal law field stems from the experience we have gained in tackling these issues daily, for the last 25 years. “We can also assist in the re-domiciliation of a company, which was formed and registered outside Malta. The set-up of the company concerned, needs to be similar in nature to the Malta limited liability company for it to be able to be re-domiciled and continue in Malta, whereby the company would be registered as a company incorporated in Malta and be subject to the same rights and obligations established by the Companies Act. Our team has gained much experience in this aspect and can assist throughout the whole process as well as advice accordingly.” In an island like Malta, human resources are the greatest asset a business might have, Joseph tells us. He also outlines the firm’s work around employment and labour, as well as foundations, trusts and estate planning. “Employment and labour law plays an important role for a business’ success and accordingly, a deep knowledge of employment law is a must. In this respect, our team can provide its support on an array of areas, including drafting of contracts of employment, employment handbooks, employment policies, advice on tax issues including international employment. LexPractis also aids clients on issues relative to termination of employment, dismissals, employment discrimination and harassment and any litigation connected to that. “On foundations, trusts and estate planning, during the past 20 years, Malta has become a prominent player in private wealth management and estate planning. This is because it has since introduced several legal structures, that are flexible to achieve and suit the different requirements as well, as the goals of clients. Malta is one of the few jurisdictions that has implemented legislation that regulates both trusts and foundations. Both structures have their specific use and must be carefully structured, to meet client’s requests. They are ideal financial instruments, that may be used to meet their wealth management requirements.” LexPractis can assist you in achieving the necessary protection, when it comes to intellectual property matters, Joseph reveals. “Our firm can assist you in achieving the necessary intellectual property protection, both on a national level and on an EU level for your trademark, by registering it and providing the required support with the formalities and documents required until actual approval of registration, together with longstanding requirements for renewal. “We also offer other intellectual property related services, including searches at both local and EU level, compiling detailed reports in relation to such searches, filing applications for the registration

of a community trademark and more. We pride ourselves in providing clients with a highly efficient and long-term service.” Joseph stresses that LexPractis is set to provide holistic guidance and advice, in relation to immigration and citizenship. They provide professional assistance to individuals seeking work permits, permanent residence permits, business or tax relocation and visa assistance. He goes on to develop this point, before explaining the firm’s approach to litigation, arbitration and mediation. “During recent years, our island has obtained a reputation of being a tax-efficient residence alternative within the European Union. As such, the firm’s legal professionals together with our tax practitioners work together, to provide the optimal and most efficient immigration plan to the international clients we serve. “The firm’s litigation department meets the requirements of numerous clients, both local and foreign. It is also fully equipped to assist all its corporate clients, when recourse to the courts or arbitration is required. Our litigation department deals with debt-collection, family matters, property issues, succession, commercial disputes, traffic collisions and all appeals from decisions of courts and tribunals, which are subject to review. “The firm also practices extensively within the sphere of arbitration and mediation, which are a welcome alternative to court litigation, providing

a more expedient means of resolving disputes and possibly saving both time and expense to the parties involved. Therefore, within our firm the custom is to attempt to lead the parties towards an amicable settlement or alternative dispute resolution methods, whenever these are feasible.” The breadth of the firm’s work is clearly impressive and as such, it also includes services around securitisation as well as shipping and yachting, as Joseph is keen to underscore. “LexPractis provides advice and assistance in the setting up of a securitisation vehicle, which may take the form of a private or public limited liability company, a securitisation cell company, a partnership, a trust or others. A securitisation vehicle holds the assets to then issue securities, which are made available to investors. Malta’s legal framework offers investors greater certainty, as well as flexibility in the creation of the transactions. “In terms of services around shipping and yachting, it is true that Malta’s strategic position is at the heart of the Mediterranean. This has since led Malta to serve as an innate hub for the maritime industry, with the Maltese ship register currently being amongst the largest ship registers in the whole world. “Our firm’s shipping and yachting team can advise on tax benefits and schemes relating to shipping and yachting, setting up of shipping organisations

Acquisition International -

Leading Advisers

the structuring of shipping groups, assisting in ship and yacht registration, registration of mortgages, arrests and other enforcement measures and other legal assistance catered, according to the needs and requirements of the client.” LexPractis can assist in providing Maltese tax advice to local and international entities, to maximise fiscal efficiency, which may be achieved with the appropriate planning and structuring. They can assist in issues related to direct and indirect tax, as well as if this applies to individuals and/or legal entities. Malta enjoys an extensive and expanding double tax treaty network, with over 70 jurisdictions. Joseph is keen to tell us his reflections on the firm achieving the exclusive Leading Adviser of the Year – Malta accolade, within the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. He also highlights the opportunities that a firm such as LexPractis encounters in the region. “This prestigious accolade is an achievement and we thank you for this opportunity to profile the 70 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers

firm. Our country is small, but it has a lot to offer, especially in the financial services sector. We are pleased to contribute to Malta’s success story in this area and shall strive to continue to provide clients with a professional and efficient service. “Malta has earned a strong reputation, as an ideal regional centre for financial services and expansionoriented business. The world is changing, the financial sector is dynamic and we look forward to face the challenges of the future. Joseph then provides us with his concluding remarks, which include the nature of the firm’s client base and the vital role of the internal staff. “The firm’s clients are diverse and active in various industries, both locally and abroad. Still, we recognise and appreciate that a singular common characteristic defines them. That is their demand for a quick reaction and an effective customised response from us, both of which should properly addresses their requirements and interests, as they arise. The team is set up around each individual

client, whereby we combine the optimum mix of proficiency and expertise, to meet the needs of the client. “The firm are both determined and dedicated, to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the outcome our client would like to achieve. We are geared to meet the clients’ changing, differing requirements and interests. As such, we are committed to provide the clients with a personalised service of the highest quality and to do so speedily, but also with due care and diligence. “Finally, I would like to highlight that we are a team at LexPractis and as such, all our staff play an important role. The key to the success of LexPractis is that we all seek to give the best service possible to our members, but this can only be achieved if staff members are motivated, as well as given responsibilities so they can excel.”

1708AI31

Company: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Name: Nabil El-Alami Email: icd@isdb.org Web Address: www.icd-ps.org Address: Headquarter ICD P.O. Box 54069 Jeddah 21514, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Telephone: Tel. +966 12 6441644, +966 12 6361400

Supporting Economic Development The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group. They were pleased to win the ‘Leading Private Equity and Capital Consultant of the Year - Saudi Arabia’ accolade, within the Leading Adviser Awards 2017. To mark this success, we profiled the firm’s work in supporting the economic development of its member countries. slamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) was established in November 1999, to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to the governments and private companies as well as encouraging cross border investments.

achieving an inclusive development has never been more fundamental. ICD is building its reputation as a trusted long-term partner toward contributing to the development of the economies of its member countries. ICD takes pride in being the first multilateral private sector development financing institution, in the world offering Islamic finance for private sector and one of the leading private sector development institutions in the Muslim world.

ICD has an authorised capital of $4 billion. Currently, the shareholders of ICD are the IsDB, 53 Islamic countries and five public financial institutions.

“In the years, ahead, we will continue to respond vigorously to the Muslim World’s needs for private sector development and will further strengthen our efforts in the immediate future, to achieve that goal. “As I continually affirm, it is important to remember that the Muslim countries are rich in human and natural resources and that they have a tremendous potential to enjoy a much better quality of life. I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that we all need to do our best to tap that potential.”

ICD fosters sustainable economic growth in its 53 member countries, by financing private sector investment, mobilising capital in the international financial markets and providing advisory services to business and governments. ICD financing projects are selected based on their contribution to economic development, considering factors such as job creation and Islamic finance development, contribution to exports. ICD also provides advisory services to governments and private sector groups, on policies designed to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernisation of private enterprises, development of capital markets, best management practices and to enhance the role of the market economy. ICD operates to complement the activities of the IDB in member countries and that of national financial institutions.

“In the years, ahead, we will continue to respond vigorously to the Muslim World’s needs for private sector development and will further strengthen our efforts in the immediate future, to achieve that goal.” Khaled Mohammed Al-Aboodi CEO & General Manager tells us more about the firm, in his own words. “Today, ICD realises more than ever, that the role of forward-looking and well-supported private sector in

ICD’s strategy is based on the following six core principles of: •

Having a demonstrable and sustainable development impact;

•

Delivering sustainable financial returns;

•

Benefiting to all member countries within a group context;

•

Being a complementary to IsDB group strategy;

•

Offering leadership development and;

•

Creating additionality in the private sector of member countries.

•

One last thought, is that ICD will deliver its vision through a ‘four pillars’ strategy, with a focus on developing Islamic finance channels. These include:

•

Shift focus to developing Islamic finance channels;

•

Targeted direct financing of the private sector;

•

Partner with IsDB and other IFIs to shape an enabling environment and;

•

Leverage partners to go beyond ICD’s own resources.

Acquisition International -

private

sector

Leading Advisers

Join 108,000 Subscribers in Over 170 Countries What are you Waiting for? www.acquisition-intl.com/subscribe