Travers Smith LLP has advised Estera on its acquisition of Morgan Sharpe Administration Limited.
Guernsey-based Morgan Sharpe is a leading global player in fund administration and fiduciary services. It was founded in 2008, by way of a management buyout of Assura Administration by Serena Tremlett and Mel Torode. Following completion on Friday 28 April, Morgan Sharpe has now been rebranded under the Estera name to become Estera Administration (Guernsey) Limited.
The Travers Smith team was led by Head of Private Equity, Paul Dolman, with support from Senior Private Equity Associates Alex Dixon and George Weavil, and Private Equity Associate Alexandra Elkins.
Guernsey legal advice for Estera was provided by Appleby (Guernsey) LLP, while Morgan Sharpe was advised by Ferbrache & Farrell.
Commenting on the acquisition, Farah Ballands, CEO of Estera, said: “The team at Morgan Sharpe is a perfect fit with the Estera group – they are committed to the high standards of service that our clients are accustomed to and we are pleased to welcome them. Under our ownership, Morgan Sharpe’s clients will benefit from additional resources and access to Estera’s expertise on a global basis.
“Estera is committed to enhancing its position as a leading player in existing and new jurisdictions. With this announcement, we are able to offer clients greater breadth of capabilities in private equity fund administration whilst strengthening Estera’s position in an important market – we are thrilled to boost our presence in Guernsey.”
Ethan Levner, Estera Group Head of Corporate Development said: “This acquisition represents our intention to be an active acquirer globally. Morgan Sharpe is an outstanding firm, and we are delighted that the transaction will bring greater depth to Estera’s service offering.”
Serena Tremlett and Mel Torode, founders of Morgan Sharpe added: “Partnering with a leading global player in fund administration and fiduciary services in an increasingly complex and international market was the next logical step for Morgan Sharpe. We have received many approaches from potential buyers in recent years, a great validation of our business model. Estera is the ideal partner for us given its global reach, excellent reputation, professionalism and commitment to both employees and clients. We are excited about the new opportunities for our clients and our team that will arise from this partnership.”
Estera is a leading provider of fiduciary and administration services with a multi-jurisdictional presence in over 10 locations. It was rebranded as Estera in 2016 following the management buy out by longstanding Travers Smith client Bridgepoint in 2015.