William Fry LLP has a highly rated tax practice with a stellar record in corporate transactions, tax compliance and tax due diligence, along with tax disputes and tax controversy. The firm has demonstrated particular commitment to inward investment-related matters, transfer pricing and financial services-driven issues. The team features a number of former senior practitioners at the Big Four accountancy firms. Department head Sonya Manzor is a leading name in tax structuring for inward investments, corporate reorganisations and M&A. Ted McGrath heads the financial services tax team and has a particular focus on investment management. Colin Bolger has joined from ByrneWallace LLP, bringing additional expertise in transactional matters and tax disputes. Brian Duffy  has left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are a full service tax practice which can handle complex and sophisticated cross border work. They are responsive, practical and give advice in context. The team has a depth and breadth of knowledge which adds real value to projects. They are the best tax advisors in the Irish market by some margin, and are amongst the top tier of tax advisors I deal with internationally.'

  • 'Outstanding at handling complex, sophisticated matters. Given their deep knowledge and experience of handling complex cross-border tax issues, they have been able to anticipate issues before they arise which is of real benefit to us.'
  • 'Sonya Manzor is a standout advisor and a leader in complex international tax planning matters. Ted McGrath is superb on financial services tax matters.'
  • ‘Sonya Manzor is one of the leading tax advisors in Europe and is our go-to tax advisor in Ireland. She leads complex international tax advisory projects, along with sophisticated high value transactions and can always be trusted to deliver. She adds value on every project and has a depth and breadth of knowledge that is unmatched in the Irish market.'

  • 'Shauna O’Brien is an excellent senior associate. She is highly capable and has an excellent understanding of complicated tax matters. ’
  • ‘Sonya Manzor and Colin Bolger are our main points of contact in the William Fry tax team. They both deliver comprehensive advice in a clear format that is easily digestible by clients. They are able to analyse complex matters quickly and provide commercial solutions that help to get deals over the line. ’

  • ‘Ted McGrath and Anne Tobin. Both are very responsive and knowledgeable, they are also proactive and are excellent at following up with me for information they need or where action is required on my part. ’

  • ‘We mainly deal with Ted McGrath and his team. Ted has been a tremendous partner over the years. He has a fantastic ability to explain complex tax issues in a concise manner and avoids waffle. Ted and his team are always available at short notice to discuss any tax matters and are very responsive to our queries. All fees are agreed in advance and explained in detail before being agreed. We feel in safe hands with Ted and his team, as the level of service is incredible and we would not consider moving to another firm for tax advice.’

Key clients

  • Amgen
  • Hines Real Estate
  • JOLT Energy
  • Halifax Group
  • Echelon Data Centres
  • Beacon Medical Holdings Limited & Sayum Holdings Corporation
  • Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
  • Dominos Pizza Group
  • The Irish Times
  • Voltalia
  • Smurfit Kappa Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Amgen, one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, on its acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics for an enterprise value of $28.3bn.
  • Advised the Irish headquartered Smurfit Kappa Group, on certain tax aspects of the financing arrangements for its combination with WestRock Company to create Smurfit Westrock.
  • Advised Voltalia on various tax matters relating to the set up and maintenance of several solar farms in Ireland with a combined capacity of up to 230MW.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sonya Manzor

Other key lawyers

Ted McGrath, Anne Tobin, Colin Bolger, Shauna O’Brien