At William Fry LLP, the corporate and M&A practice is highly regarded for its excellent track record in acting on a number of landmark deals in Ireland; in one prominent example, the team assisted Amgen with its proposed $28.3bn acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics. Led by Stephen Keogh, the department is regularly instructed by healthcare, life sciences, TMT, energy, financial services, insurance, and real estate sector companies in a range of corporate transactions. Mark Talbot brings expertise in public and private M&A, and Myra Garrett is hugely experienced in advising on public takeovers. Andrew McIntyre specialises in technology and life sciences deals, and Máire O’Neill focuses on energy transactions. Former senior partner Bryan Bourke has become a consultant.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Maire O'Neill is a real stand-out. She is particularly known for fintech. Carol Eager has excellent technical knowledge and is very pragmatic to deal with.’
‘Fiachra Cork particularly stands out in terms of knowledge, experience and he is very personable individual. He communicates all legal advice very clearly and has been exceptionally responsive to any queries I have had since working with him over the past year. He is also very proactive. Overall, it has been a very positive experience working with Fiachra and William Fry.’
‘I have found that the team is always available to assist, whether to attend a meeting in person, or hop on a call to discuss matters at short notice. The link up between the Corporate and M&A teams and other teams within William Fry, whether the tax team, company secretarial or employment teams, makes for provision of a seamless service for any transaction that the William Fry Corporate and M&A team have worked with us on.’
‘I always found each member of the team goes above and beyond to provide an efficient and professional service, from trainees, right up to partners. Specific mention for Máire O'Neill, who will always manage matters at an appropriate level.'
‘Responsive is one word that springs to mind when I think of my experience with William Fry and my experience with the firm and consultants there. I worked with one consultant and a number of junior supports. They were always proactive, timely, and professional whilst maintaining personable characters and great communication skills for forging an excellent relationship that will last. ’
‘The team at William Fry are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile to get the result required for clients. Very personable team and easy to deal with. Their legal knowledge and expertise is second to none within the Irish market, Mark Talbot and Fiachra Cork's knowledge and experience is always very helpful.’
‘Fiachra Cork has a sharp legal mind and is always on hand to provide advice where needed. Gavin White does excellent work and is likely a future partner to watch.’
‘Stephen Keogh is a fantastic transactional lawyer that knows what the client needs and cuts to the chase. Ronan Shanahan is also a star in the making and one to watch.’
Key clients
- Amalfi Technologies
- Amgen Inc
- Atlantic Bridge Ventures
- August Equity
- Bank of America
- CBPE
- Celtic Rugby DAC and Pro Rugby Championship DAC t/a GUINNESS PRO 14
- Cardinal Carlyle Ireland
- Certa Ireland (formerly Emo Oil)
- Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
- Claret Capital Partners
- DCC plc
- Echelon DC Holdings Limited
- Elavon Financial Services DAC / US Bank Group
- Fenergo Group Limited
- Glanbia
- Irish Government
- Irish Rugby Football Union
- J&E Davy
- Jolt Energy
- Kilsaran Concrete
- Melior Equity
- MML Growth Capital Partners
- National Treasury Management Agency (the manager of Ireland's sovereign wealth fund)
- OCP (Orange Capital Partners)
- Phoenix Life plc
- Pollen Street Capital
- Pomo Search (Pointy)
- Qorvo US, Inc
- Quad Real
- Silicon Valley Bank
- Smurfit Kappa Group plc
- Société Générale SA
- Suretank Group Limited
- Sweepr
- The Irish Times
- Tines Security Services Limited
- Uniphar plc
- UKG Inc
- Wealth at Work
- Workday
Work highlights
- Advised Amgen on its proposed acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics.
- Advised UKG on the acquisition of Immedis and its subsidiaries for €575m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stephen Keogh