Carson McDowell

The ‘supremely customer-focused’ corporate team at Carson McDowell has strong experience in both domestic and international corporate transactions. For example, the team recently acted for RiverRidge Group in a rare cross-jurisdictional joint venture transaction which required approval from the European Commission under the EU Merger Regulations. The team is jointly led by Neasa Quigley and Gerard Armstrong. As of 2023, ex-practice head Richard Gray now heads a standalone corporate advisory and governance team within the practice. Hilary Griffith has strong expertise in corporate transactions within the manufacturing sector, while Paul McGuickin is the key contact for clients in the leisure and hospitality sector. At the associate level, Kathryn Laverty is a key figure to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'We have found the Carson McDowell Corporate and M&A team to be professional, friendly, and competent. They always meet deadlines and collaborate well with the solicitors representing the other side of the transaction.'
'The team is always available to discuss any issues that may arise during projects, and will always present a fair and balanced opinion on these issues. Despite some projects running for weeks and months, the team remains enthusiastic throughout.'
'Kathryn Laverty is hardworking, diligent, remain unflustered, always available and present a balanced opinion. '
'We find them outstanding in terms of delivering to deadlines and the access you get to the individuals. We have been working with them for over ten years and have worked consistently with the same partner and team.'
'Our partner is Neasa Quigley. Neasa has an ability to reduce complex legal documents into the key issues that matter to us, thereby minimising the amount of time that we have to take to identify commercial issues from legal.
'Carson McDowell is supremely customer-focused. They tailor responses exactly to customer need and in my case, this made progress really efficient and allowed a commercial advantage from the off. Their insight into market forces puts them ahead of the crowd. A strong mix of partners and in-house expertise with constant communication and awareness is second to none.'
'Rosie Timoney handles all our corporate work. Aside from being knowledgeable, experienced and efficient, she is situationally aware and has an extremely proactive approach to support our business in managing dynamic, rapidly evolving situations both in respect of risks and opportunities.'

Key clients

SHS Group Limited
Bowmark Capital LLP
Eakin Healthcare Group Limited
Lowe Group
Vinci Energy Holdings Limited
Fane Valley
Lagan Investments Limited
RiverRidge Group
Fibrus Networks Limited
Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) Limited
Kairos Sports Tech Limited
Queen’s University, Belfast
Ulster University
Business Growth Fund
Bywater Capital

Work highlights

Acted for the management/shareholders of the RiverRidge Group in the acquisition by a joint venture of Cube Infrastructure Managers and Equitix Investment Management of a majority stake in RiverRidge.
Iinstructed to act for Hanfwolf GmbH & Co Kg in relation to the sale of their shareholding in W.H Scott & Son Limited by Lift Safety Bidco Limited backed by private investor equity investor Renatus Capital Partners.
Instructed to act for Darton Hall Limited in relation to its acquisition of Belmont Farms Limited and Green Generation (UK) Limited from QMount Investments Limited.

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