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1
UK Guide 2023
Northern Ireland Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1

6 Ranked Lawyers

About

Provided by Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell has the largest corporate/M&A team in Northern Ireland. The firm acts for the majority of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies, as well as for many international clients looking to do business here. We are also the trusted local partner for leading international law firms requiring Northern Irish advice. We pride ourselves on the long term relationships of trust formed with our clients. As a result of these relationships we also follow our clients to the export markets in which they operate.

Our advice covers a full spectrum of corporate and transactional matters, including acquisitions and disposals, corporate finance, joint ventures, group reorganisations and corporate governance.

Our 6 partner team has a depth and range of experience that marks it out from others in the market. We also have available a range of complimentary specialisms not found in other firms, such as competition, health and safety and environmental.

We have particularly strong experience in energy, technology, food/agri, manufacturing, financial services and  construction/infrastructure sectors and have been at the forefront of the most significant transactions in these sectors in recent times.

Carson McDowell was the Legal 500 Law Firm of the year in 2014 and 2017.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Corporate/M&A - Northern Ireland
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Carson McDowell is a prominent Northern Ireland firm which advises on matters ranging from acquisitions and disposals to corporate governance. It is noted for its specialist knowledge of the manufacturing and construction sectors and its strength in complementary disciplines such as competition, environmental and planning law. The team is well equipped to oversee deals spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Work Highlights

Provided by Carson McDowell
  • Carson McDowell advised the shareholders of AquaQ Analytics on the sale of the entire issued share capital of the company to Sovereign Capital Partners.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Michael Johnston
N
Michael Johnston
S
Senior Statespeople

Michael Johnston advises clients on both a domestic and cross-border basis in relation to a wide range of corporate transactions.

Richard Gray
N
Richard Gray
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1

Richard Gray is a foremost transactional practitioner, having advised on a number of high-value deals. He assists clients with M&A and other corporate finance concerns.

"Richard can provide excellent advice on the most complex deal structures."

"Richard is strong on transactions. He never holds anything up and he gives good advice to the client."

Neasa Quigley
N
Neasa Quigley
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1

Neasa Quigley maintains an excellent reputation for her market-leading transactional capabilities. She is frequently called upon to act on private equity and M&A deals on behalf of clients in the energy industry.

"Neasa is highly competent and a trusted adviser."

"Neasa is very dynamic in her approach. She considers ways around issues, with nothing ever being impossible."

Gerard Armstrong
N
Gerard Armstrong
2
Band 2

Gerard Armstrong demonstrates an excellent track record advising local, national and international clients on complex transactional matters. He advises on deals arising in the agrifood and construction sectors, among others.

"Gerard is an integral part of the transaction process. His guidance and efforts ensure everything completes on time and on budget."

"We have no hesitation recommending Gerard for clients in search of good advice."

"Gerard is very technical and brings a lot of expertise to the table."

Hilary Griffith
N
Hilary Griffith
2
Band 2

Hilary Griffith acts for significant clients from a wide range of sectors on all manner of corporate transactions.

Kathryn Laverty
N
Kathryn Laverty
Associates to watch

Kathryn Laverty advises clients on a range of traditional corporate transactions including mergers and acquisitions.

"She's personable and knowledgeable."

Ranked Lawyers at
Carson McDowell

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Northern Ireland

Corporate/M&A

Michael Johnston
S
Michael Johnston
S
Senior Statespeople
Neasa Quigley
1
Neasa Quigley
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1
Richard Gray
1
Richard Gray
Head of Corporate/M&A
1
Band 1
Gerard Armstrong
2
Gerard Armstrong
2
Band 2
Hilary Griffith
2
Hilary Griffith
2
Band 2
Kathryn Laverty
Kathryn Laverty
Associates to watch

Members

Provided by Carson McDowell

Industries

Provided by Carson McDowell

Construction

Energy

Financial Services

Food / Agri

Infrastructure

Manufacturing

Technology