The new office will be located in the capital, Port Louis, and will begin operation in February 2007.

The new office will be focussed on investment into emerging African and Asian markets.

Institutional clients in North America, Europe and Asia have indicated that they are looking for the resources of a global offshore services firm, to create efficient investment structures through a well-placed, independent sovereign country. Mauritius is a member of the WTO, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and has the effective commercial and legal infrastructure required to support the development of a global business network. Mauritius is also party to a number of double taxation agreements.

The Appleby office, which will operate under the name of Appleby (Mauritius International) Ltd., will open with two partners, Mauritian Gilbert Noel and Malcolm Moller, who is transferring from Appleby’s Bermuda office, and two associates plus support staff.

Mr Noel commented:

“We are very excited to see these new opportunities come to Mauritius. In addition to being able to offer world-class legal, fiduciary and administration services to businesses in Mauritius, we believe that Mauritius is poised to become a strong force in the offshore world for investment in the emerging economies in Africa and Asia. Appleby’s resources and reputation will greatly assist the growth of international business in Mauritius.”