The Maples Group is pleased to have supported the latest transaction for existing client AlJazira Capital's master Islamic investment platform, which is domiciled in the Cayman Islands and administered by the Group's Dubai-based Fund Services team. The Group's Dubai, Jersey and London offices collaborated to advise AlJazira on its acquisition of 'The Connection' business campus, marking AlJazira's first real estate transaction in the UK.
As part of the sale-leaseback transaction, Vodafone has entered into long-term leases on four of the seven buildings, with AlJazira working with Oval Real Estate and IQON Capital to upgrade the site into a world-class business, science and innovation centre.
Cayman Islands legal advice was provided by the Group's law firm, Maples and Calder, led by Partner, Manuela Belmontes, with Jersey legal advice provided by Partner, Mark Crichton, and Associate, Dan Perkins.A comprehensive suite offund services were provided by Fred Tabbal and the Dubai-based team. The Group's Fiduciary Services teams, led by Charles Leahy in London, Rob Lucas and Ben Schofield in Jersey, and Norbert Neijzen, and Kathleen Ramos in Dubai,further supported the client with incorporation, company secretarial and administrative support, as well as directorship services.
Commenting on the transaction, Mark Crichton said, "We were delighted to assist our existing client, AlJazira, with their first UK real estate transaction, further highlighting the continuing attraction of Jersey for structuring complex corporate real estate deals."
Manuela Belmontes, Joint Managing Partner Dubai said, "We were pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate with our colleagues across the Maples Group's global network on this matter. We pride ourselves on being a truly international organisation and transactions such as these really highlight the benefit of our multi-jurisdictional network and complementary business lines which enable us to offer clients a seamless and consistent service in their preferred time zone."
Marco Mauri, Chief Investment Officer at AlJazira commented: "Working with the Maples Group gave us one key partner contact across multiple jurisdictions, which greatly assists with the seamless running of complex transactions such as this."