In a significant initiative during COVID-19 period back in 2020, the Government Printing Department under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s Office, had no other choice than to stop physical printing of Government Gazettes and introduce e-publishing of the Gazettes, putting an end to paper waste and the long wait for the dispatch of essential documents. In fact, with a simple click, subscribers had access to copies of such notifications on the official website of the Government Printing Department https://gpd.govmu.org/Pages/Index.aspx as soon as the documents were published.
Nicolas Richard's practice covers all aspects of corporate and commercial law with particular focus on banking and finance, capital markets, aircraft and shipping financing and real estate.
Nicolas also regularly advises local and international clients on corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions and related regulatory issues (including IPOs and takeovers). His experience includes all manner of private share and business acquisitions / disposals, private equity, group reorganisations and joint ventures.
He advises leading international banks and multinational companies on financing / investment structures and collaterals involving Mauritian vehicles.
Nicolas is experienced in all aspects of commercial real estate, including development, joint ventures and structured real estate transactions.
Experience has included advising:
- IBL ltd in in connection with the takeover of Lux Island Resorts and of BlueLife Ltd
- A multinational advertising and public relations company in connection with its acquisition of a minority shareholding in an investment company based in Mauritius holding shares in companies in several African countries
- An international telecommunications and media company on its multimillion euro Term Loan Facility from an international bank
- A major international company with regards to its acquisition of a minority stake in one of the leading destination management companies in Mauritius
- A local conglomerate in relation to the launch of a retail park
- An international African group on the sale of its Mauritius subsidiary operating in the insurance sector
- A major local bank in connection with the financing of a real estate project (smart city) on the west coast of the island
- A conglomerate in connection with the financing, construction and supply and commissioning of a large wind farm which will have nameplate capacity of 29.4 MW
Professional Qualifications
- Attorney-at-law admitted with the Supreme Court of Mauritius (2005)
Education
- Aix en Provence University, France, D.E.S.S. Transports maritimes et aériens (postgraduate specialisation in air and shipping law) (1998)
- Réunion University, France, Maîtrise en droit privé (equivalent to an LLM with specialisation in private international law) (1997)
- Réunion University, France, Licence en droit privé (equivalent to an LLB with specialisation in commercial law) (1996)
Recognition
- Consistently ranked as a highly regarded “leading lawyer” in IFLR1000
- Ranked as leading lawyer in Chambers & Partners Global
- Ranked 1st nationwide at the Attorney’s examination organized by the Mauritius Council of Legal Education (2003)
Memberships
- Mauritius law Society
- Mauritius Institute of Directors
- International Bar Association
In today’s challenging context marked by the continued prevalence of COVID-19 that has shaken Mauritius’ economy and in the wake of the surge in prices of petroleum products, it is anticipated that renewable energy will play a pivotal role in the country’s development.