Gaunt quits for in-house shipping job

SINCLAIR ROCHE & Temperley's shipping finance expert, Ian Gaunt, is moving to an in-house position.

The senior partner is to join the world's largest cruise-line, Carnival Corporation, as senior vice-president, international, in May.

Gaunt says: "I have worked closely with the Carnival group for nearly 20 years and I am eagerly anticipating a new challenge.

Managing partner Jeff Morgan says Gaunt's "expertise will be of great value to Carnival during what promises to be an interesting time for the company".

Gaunt will work on the Carnival group's extensive ship-building programme and planned European expansion.

Sinclair Roche & Temp-erley has negotiated all

Carnival's ship-building contracts, including nine ships valued at more than £2bn in total. It also advised on the £300m acquisition of Cunard last year.

The Carnival group inc-ludes the Holland America-Westours brand. It also has interests in Seabourn Cunard, Airtours and Costa Cruises.

The international shipping firm will continue to represent Carnival.