AI Issue 9 2017

Acquisition International - September 2017 47 A Key Player in Malta’s Success Story situations arise, when persons are charged with having committed a criminal offence. Although the firm deals with all the facets of criminal law, we are particularly focused on such issues which have a corporate aspect. These may range from accidents at the workplace, to money laundering or corporate responsibility in general. Our expertise in the criminal law field stems from the experience we have gained in tackling these issues daily, for the last 25 years. “We can also assist in the re-domiciliation of a company, which was formed and registered outside Malta. The set-up of the company concerned, needs to be similar in nature to the Malta limited liability company for it to be able to be re-domiciled and continue in Malta, whereby the company would be registered as a company incorporated in Malta and be subject to the same rights and obligations established by the Companies Act. Our team has gained much experience in this aspect and can assist throughout the whole process as well as advice accordingly.” In an island like Malta, human resources are the greatest asset a business might have, Joseph tells us. He also outlines the firm’s work around employment and labour, as well as foundations, trusts and estate planning. “Employment and labour law plays an important role for a business’ success and accordingly, a deep knowledge of employment law is a must. In this respect, our team can provide its support on an array of areas, including drafting of contracts of employment, employment handbooks, employment policies, advice on tax issues including international employment. LexPractis also aids clients on issues relative to termination of employment, dismissals, employment discrimination and harassment and any litigation connected to that. “On foundations, trusts and estate planning, during the past 20 years, Malta has become a prominent player in private wealth management and estate planning. This is because it has since introduced several legal structures, that are flexible to achieve and suit the different requirements as well, as the goals of clients. Malta is one of the few jurisdictions that has implemented legislation that regulates both trusts and foundations. Both structures have their specific use and must be carefully structured, to meet client’s requests. They are ideal financial instruments, that may be used to meet their wealth management requirements.” LexPractis can assist you in achieving the necessary protection, when it comes to intellectual property matters, Joseph reveals. “Our firm can assist you in achieving the necessary intellectual property protection, both on a national level and on an EU level for your trademark, by registering it and providing the required support with the formalities and documents required until actual approval of registration, together with long- standing requirements for renewal. “We also offer other intellectual property related services, including searches at both local and EU level, compiling detailed reports in relation to such searches, filing applications for the registration of a community trademark and more. We pride ourselves in providing clients with a highly efficient and long-term service.” Joseph stresses that LexPractis is set to provide holistic guidance and advice, in relation to immigration and citizenship. They provide professional assistance to individuals seeking work permits, permanent residence permits, business or tax relocation and visa assistance. He goes on to develop this point, before explaining the firm’s approach to litigation, arbitration and mediation. “During recent years, our island has obtained a reputation of being a tax-efficient residence alternative within the European Union. As such, the firm’s legal professionals together with our tax practitioners work together, to provide the optimal and most efficient immigration plan to the international clients we serve. “The firm’s litigation department meets the requirements of numerous clients, both local and foreign. It is also fully equipped to assist all its corporate clients, when recourse to the courts or arbitration is required. Our litigation department deals with debt-collection, family matters, property issues, succession, commercial disputes, traffic collisions and all appeals from decisions of courts and tribunals, which are subject to review. “The firm also practices extensively within the sphere of arbitration and mediation, which are a welcome alternative to court litigation, providing a more expedient means of resolving disputes and possibly saving both time and expense to the parties involved. Therefore, within our firm the custom is to attempt to lead the parties towards an amicable settlement or alternative dispute resolution methods, whenever these are feasible.” The breadth of the firm’s work is clearly impressive and as such, it also includes services around securitisation as well as shipping and yachting, as Joseph is keen to underscore. “LexPractis provides advice and assistance in the setting up of a securitisation vehicle, which may take the form of a private or public limited liability company, a securitisation cell company, a partnership, a trust or others. A securitisation vehicle holds the assets to then issue securities, which are made available to investors. Malta’s legal framework offers investors greater certainty, as well as flexibility in the creation of the transactions. “In terms of services around shipping and yachting, it is true that Malta’s strategic position is at the heart of the Mediterranean. This has since led Malta to serve as an innate hub for the maritime industry, with the Maltese ship register currently being amongst the largest ship registers in the whole world. “Our firm’s shipping and yachting team can advise on tax benefits and schemes relating to shipping and yachting, setting up of shipping organisations and