Historic Jersey firms join in 'ideal match'

Le Masurier Giffard & Poch has merged with Ogier & Le Cornu to form Ogier & Le Masurier, in a venture which will offer advice to clients at home and abroad.

The new operation claims to have the "strongest team of business lawyers in the island" with 12 partners and a total of 30 lawyers.

Malcolm Sinel, the firm's chair, says: "It is an ideal match. Ogier & Le Cornu developed a strong international and finance-related practice while Le Masurier Giffard & Poch's strengths are concentrated in Jersey."

Jonathan White, managing partner, says the changes involved increasing the number of business and trust law group partners to seven, along with a team of "excellently qualified" assistants.

- Former Wake Smith & Co senior partner John Gaunt has set up a breakaway firm, John Gaunt & Partners, in Sheffield. The partnership intends to specialise in commercial litigation and property work.