Carson McDowell‘s team has expertise in the full range of corporate transactions, and is particularly strong in the technology sector. The firm also has experience handling transactions under the new National Security and Investment Act. Team lead Richard Gray, who has been active in the area for more than 30 years, is a respected name for M&A and finance work. Core team members include senior partner Neasa Quigley, who has expertise in the energy and knowledge economy sectors, and M&A and private equity specialists Paul McGuickin and Hilary Griffith. Griffith joined the firm in 2022 from Cleaver Fulton Rankin alongside associate Kathryn Laverty.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team at Carson McDowell demonstrate understanding and commercial interpretation combined with an efficiency of response and action which differentiates the team from most other commercial law firms.'
- 'The corporate and M&A team at Carson McDowell are very strong in their respective field of expertise, and would be treated more as trusted advisors as opposed to a 'formal supplier."
- 'Richard Gray exhibits a keen understanding of complex issues, and will always deliver an honest and frank opinion on what would be best for us as a client. Richard's personable nature also greatly assists in maintaining momentum in projects involving other parties.'
- 'The ability to have both empathy and understanding of our sector and the risks, challenges and opportunities we face daily is exceptional. The depth in the Carson McDowell team is always in evidence when required, with partners acting with humility, focus and unrivalled talent.'
- 'Neasa's great strength is the ability to identify the key commercial points relevant to our company and articulate to non lawyers the potential implications and actions required. This focus allows for a more streamlined process, both from a cost and resource perspective.'
- 'Excellent levels of corporate advice, always pitched at the correct level. Very accessible team and excellent response times.'
- 'Richard Gray - unrivalled corporate partner in the NI market. Highly commercial thinker and very practical lawyer. Paul McGuckin - excellent corporate partner.'
- 'Carson McDowell's service is superb. They're commercially minded and customer focused when it comes to M&A. Their advice and the way they run M&A processes is exceptional and unparalleled in our experience in the Northern Ireland market.'
Key clients
- SHS Group Limited
- Bowmark Capital LLP
- Eakin Healthcare Group Limited
- Lowe Group
- Vinci Energy Holdings Limited
- MML Ireland
- Lagan Investments Limited
- Riverridge Recycling Limited
- Fibrus Networks Limited
- Ulster Carpet Mills (Holdings) Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Bowmark Capital on their investment into the Xperience Group, following a competitive auction process.
- Acted for shareholders of Decision Time LImited in connection with its acquisition by Advanced Business Software and Solutions Limited.
- Acted for MML Ireland (MML) in connection with its £11 Million investment in the Vyta Group following a competitive auction process.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Richard Gray