The Arthur Cox Belfast banking and finance team has a strong focus on the corporate banking market, often advising domestic and foreign retail banks, investment funds, and private equity firms on a wide range of financial matters. Stuart Mansfield leads the practice. Mansfield has deep experience in acting as administrative agent for foreign banks on the Northern Irish legal aspects of US bankruptcy proceedings. Colm McElroy often acts as local counsel for international clients on acquisition and financing transactions, while Sarah Thompson is a financial services regulatory specialist. At the associate level, David Rogan regularly provides support on acquisition finance, construction finance, and general corporate finance.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘ Really strong team who understand sectors deeply and can therefore make educated and commercial decisions on behalf of their clients.' 

  • ‘The Arthur Cox banking team are intimately aware of the needs of our business and that of our clients and ensures that services provided are always fit for purpose, timely and considerate of the nuances of our business. ’

  • ‘Colm McElroy understands what our business, our client's needs, and advices provided by him are always cognisant of our risk appetite and suitable detailed to provide optimal solutions with alternatives where required. ’

  • ‘Colm McElroy has supported me as local counsel on various transactions and has gone above and beyond. ’

Key clients

  • Barclays Bank Plc
  • Energia
  • Kildare Management Limited
  • HM Treasury
  • Barclays Bank Plc
  • Ballykeel Beg No.1 Limited
  • Ares Capital, Natwest Bank Plc, Barclays Bank Plc
  • The Scores Hospitality Limited
  • Barclays Bank Plc and Citibank
  • Santander UK

Work highlights

  • Acted for Barclays Bank as Administrative Agent in relation to the Northern Irish law aspects of the provision of a “debtor in possession” facility of approximately $1.9bn extended to Cineworld Group to carry it through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the US.
  • We acted for Energia Group in connection with the Northern Irish law aspects of a revolving credit facility and the issuance of senior secured notes to provide commitments of up to €1bn to refinance existing debt, for general working capital and other corporate purposes.
  • Acted for Kildare Management Limited in connection with the £69 million sale of two Northern Ireland based retail secured assets, namely Forestside Shopping Centre and Foyleside Shopping Centre.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.

Stuart Mansfield

Other key lawyers

Colm McElroy, David Rogan, Sarah Thompson