Department profile
A&L Goodbody

Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland

Europe Guide 2026 : UK


A&L Goodbody

Rankings

About

Provided by A&L Goodbody

A&L Goodbody has the leading Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) & Corporate practice in Northern Ireland, having advised on the most significant recent transactions in the region. Our leading market position is endorsed by the work we do and by leading international publications and commentators. The group has been ranked No.1 M&A Law Firm in Northern Ireland by Experian Corpfin for four consecutive years (2012 – 2015) and was named Northern Irish Corporate Law Firm of the Year by Legal 500 for 2015.

We provide legal advice to leading global and domestic companies, banks, private equity and venture capital providers from all industry sectors, in relation to their corporate activity in Northern Ireland. 

A&L Goodbody is uniquely positioned in Northern Ireland, offering a combination of local market-leading expertise and knowledge with the strength and depth of resources of a law firm which is internationally recognised for providing the highest quality legal advice.

  • Mergers & Acquisitions​
  • Private equity and venture capital 
  • Strategic investments
  • MBO's and MBI's
  • Shareholder agreements, joint ventures and partnerships
  • Restructurings and reorganisations
  • Corporate governance and compliance
  • Equity Capital Markets

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland - UK

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

A&L Goodbody has a leading corporate practice with an international profile and the capacity to act on major cross-border deals. It combines expert knowledge of M&A, transaction management and private equity investments with specialisms in energy, healthcare and technology.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&L Goodbody acted as the sole legal adviser to the shareholders in the sale of the entire issued share capital of Kingsbridge, Northern Ireland’s largest private healthcare group, to Jupiter 1 Bidco Limited.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are extremely experienced, wise, committed and diligent.

    Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • Not a single member of the team dropped the standard a single point. They are a phenomenal team that worked tirelessly to get our investment round completed.

    Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • As a people-centered business, they immediately understood our key concerns and objectives from the process.

    Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Mark Thompson
    Band 1Mark Thompson

    Mark Thompson

    Mark Thompson is a distinguished figure in the Northern Ireland corporate market. He has experience handling transactions arising from the technology and healthcare sectors, among others.

    • He's a very good lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • Band 1Peter Stafford
    Band 1Peter Stafford

    Peter Stafford

    Peter Stafford demonstrates expertise in foreign and domestic corporate finance transactions, and is often seen handling both acquisitions and sales.

    • Peter has been a great support to our business over many years.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • His commercial vision is very strong. Peter is second to none; I am very thankful to have him as our legal counsel.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • He is an outstanding professional.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • Band 2David Rowan
    Band 2David Rowan

    David Rowan

    Head of A&L Goodbody's corporate and M&A team, David Rowan is highlighted for his strong transactional capabilities and assists clients with both domestic and foreign sales and acquisitions across various sectors such as technology and manufacturing.

    • David is excellent at anticipating our requirements.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • David's commercial vision is very strong. He is an excellent lawyer, knowledgeable and highly skilled.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • He consistently anticipates questions, provides clear and practical solutions, and distils complex legal issues into actionable advice.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • David provided indispensable support throughout. What stands him apart is his deep technical competence combined with a highly commercial mindset.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • Band 4Sarah Dugdale
    Band 4Sarah Dugdale

    Sarah Dugdale

    Sarah is a corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland. She has expertise in handling transactions within the healthcare sector.

    • She is excellent and a pleasure to work with.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • Sarah inspires real confidence, both with clients and counterparties, and always remains solution-focused, even in high pressure situations.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • She is a very strong corporate lawyer who was responsive to our requirements.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
  • Associates to watchLauren McCollum
    Associates to watchLauren McCollum

    Lauren McCollum

    Lauren is an associate at A&L Goodbody. She regularly advises on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and equity incentive share schemes.

    • She offers a superb level of service.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • Lauren's commercial vision is very strong and she's tigerishly diligent.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope
    • She's hard-working.

      Corporate/M&A: Northern Ireland respondentEurope

Ranked Individuals at A&L Goodbody (5)

UK

Members

Provided by A&L Goodbody

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