Pre-merger Mourant focuses on India as economic development ‘moves east’

The firm, which will merge with Ozannes in May to become the third-largest offshore firm by ­partner numbers, is undertaking the strategy following a trip by two of its partners to Mumbai and New Delhi last November.

Mourant partner and head of the firm’s funds practice Ben Robins is spearheading the initiative with partner and corporate finance head James Ruane, after taking part in a Jersey Finance-backed ’fact-­finding’ delegation to the country.

“What’s driving this is an ­appreciation that the centre for ­economic development is moving east,” said Robins. “Our interest is principally in India as a place to attract business.”

Jersey finance minister Philip Ozouf is currently in talks to enter a tax agreement between Jersey and India, which could see more work for the island’s law firms.

“Jersey offers a different ­proposition for Indian companies,” added Robins. “We’re already seeing Jersey funds being used to invest in India via Mauritian vehicles, but we hope that an agreement will improve the flow of work back the other way.”