Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised specialist regulatory consultancy firm Bovill on its acquisition by Ocorian, a specialist global provider of financial and corporate administration services and regulatory solutions.
The acquisition of Bovill will enhance Ocorian's global regulatory and compliance platform to meet growing demand from asset managers and financial institutions for regulatory advice and compliance support.
Founded in 1999 by Ben Blackett-Ord, Bovill is a global financial services regulatory partner to more than 580 clients with offices in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US. Based in London, Bovill has a solid foundation of long-term clients and high-quality compliance services and regulatory advice.
Bovill’s team of 81 specialists, complementary services and global footprint will combine with Newgate, Ocorian’s existing regulatory and compliance business in the UK and Guernsey, to offer regulatory and compliance support to financial services organisations internationally. As part of the deal, Rebecca Thorpe, Bovill's CEO and Ben Blackett-Ord, Bovill's founder and chair, will join Ocorian's Regulatory and Compliance leadership team.
WBD team delivers complex deal in tight timescale
A cross-office multi-disciplinary team from WBD acted for Bovill Chair and majority shareholder Ben Blackett-Ord led by corporate finance partners Stacey Hall and Ben Butler supported by managing associate Jo Norris. Partner Jeremy Smith provided tax advice and partner Alex Fergus provided advice on the equity terms for management.
WBD's Ben Butler commented:
"We are delighted to have advised Ben and the Bovill team on this transaction, which will enable them to accelerate business growth and expand their global reach. The deal was fast moving in the end and the team worked round the clock to deliver it on time. Bovill is a market leader in its field and a great fit for Ocorian. We wish them all the best for the future."
Ben Blackett-Ord, founder and chair of Bovill, said:
"We are very excited to join forces with Ocorian and Newgate and to continue to provide our clients with the best regulatory and compliance solutions. We are grateful to WBD for their excellent advice and support throughout the process. They were responsive, proactive and professional, and helped us to achieve a successful outcome."
