Mourant – the Jersey-headquartered offshore group combining legal, governance and consulting services – has taken minority investment in a deal a key adviser said could open up options for other large firms. Private equity firm MML has taken a 27% stake in Mourant Group Ltd, a holding company established last year, with the existing owner-managers co-investing “to support future long-term growth, building balance sheet firepower”. The combination of legal, governance and consulting services under one umbrella, built on a culture that consistently attracts and retains exceptional people, is rare and genuinely durable.” Mourant wanted growth capital and an active growth partner while its owner-managers kept control, and those owner-managers are co-investing alongside MML. On the evidence of this deal, it is likely to become a more important part of the options open to larger firms, particularly those looking for a growth partner rather than a buyer.”