Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Banking and finance

At Taylor Wessing, the firm's banking and finance group was established following the hire of experienced practitioner Libby Garvey. Garvey brings experience in advising on acquisition finance, structured finance, real estate finance, and trade and receivables finance.

Banking and finance in Ireland

A&L Goodbody LLP

A&L Goodbody LLP‘s banking and finance team has great strength in depth, and fields extensive expertise in advising on a number of the largest property and development finance projects and loan portfolio sales in Ireland. The firm handles a steady workflow of high-value, complex instructions involving acquisition and leveraged finance, corporate lending, real estate finance, fund finance and sustainability-linked finance, to name a few areas. The client base includes corporates, sponsors, financial institutions, and private credit lenders. Head of general finance Peter Murray is a key practitioner, and Gillian McDonald is highly regarded for her expertise in loan portfolio sales. Other key lawyers include Seamus Ó’CróinínMaria McElhinney, Niamh McMahon and senior associate Lisa Tait. London-based partner Robbie O’Driscoll assists Irish entities with a wide spectrum of finance transactions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Murray; Marie O’Brien


Autres avocats clés:

Seamus Ó’Cróinín; Maria McElhinney; Niamh McMahon; Robbie O’Driscoll; Gillian McDonald; Lisa Tait


Les références

‘Fully resourced team at all levels which is key for large scale / time sensitive transactions. Collaborate well across internal departments. Excellent availability of key individuals on transactions. Fees appropriate to transaction and no unmerited variations.’

‘Robbie O’Driscoll was excellent throughout the number of transactions we completed – always available, maintained calm and did all that was necessary to get transactions completed. His support team maintained these standards. ’

‘The partners have a great perspective on the work and the world. They are super informed about what is going on in the industry. They are hugely professional, practical and supportive. The firm is able to call on a wide variety of expertise.’

Principaux clients

Bank of Ireland


Ulster Bank


HSBC Bank plc


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Standard Chartered Bank


Corten Capital GP Limited


Perrigo Company plc


Kroll Agency Services Limited (as Agent)


Activate Capital


IPF Management S.A.


National Westminster Bank plc


Patrizia Immobilien AG


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as lead counsel for the Bank of Ireland in relation to the disposal of an Irish non- performing loan portfolio with an approximate value of €800m.
  • Represented Activate Investments Five DAC as mezzanine lender on a €385m financing with Marlet to fund the development of over 1,100 units at two separate PRS developments in Dublin.
  • Advised the clients on the amendment and extension of a €3.5bn multicurrency revolving credit facility for CRH Finance (UK) and CRH Finance DAC.

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox is a highly regarded firm in the banking and finance arena in Ireland. The practice continues to handle a high volume of real estate and development finance, funds finance, leveraged finance, project finance and corporate lending matters, and is at the forefront of ESG and sustainability-linked financings. Financial regulatory work is another key pillar of strength for the group. Orla O’Connor is a very highly regarded practitioner in the banking and finance practice, as are Kevin Lynch and David Molloy. Ciara Buckley is an emerging partner. Counsel Ed McDonagh and senior associate Ben Rayner are names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Molloy


Autres avocats clés:

Orla O’Connor; Daragh Geraghty; Kevin Lynch; Ciara Buckley; Ruth Lillis; Imelda Shiels; Ben Rayner; Ed McDonagh


Les références

‘I have had several experiences working with Arthur Cox during my career and I have always found them excellent to deal with. The depth of skill within their teams ensures you always feel comfortable. They are also a very personable and fun team to work with.’

‘Kevin Lynch is our long-standing partner in the firm. A highly respected individual in Dublin legal and finance circles. Well regarded for his ability to cut through the “waffle” and keep matters moving when deals go slow. A problem-solver rather than a problem-maker and always very commercial when overcoming hurdles.’

‘Darragh Geraghty and Ben Rayner provide excellent technical / legal skills, commercial judgement, responsiveness, and the ability to manage personalities. ’

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP's large banking and finance practice has an excellent reputation for advising on loan portfolio sales and acquisitions, loan on loan deals, warehouse financing, real estate and development finance, and project finance. The firm is close to Irish pillar banks, international lenders, alternative lenders and a large number of borrower clients. The head of the financial services group, Neil Campbell, is a prominent name in loan portfolio sales, and Micheál Grace's workload includes loan on loan deals, real estate and warehouse financings, and distressed asset purchases. Cathy Grant is very experienced in corporate banking, and Karol Fox specialises in development finance matters. Following William Carmody‘s appointment as firm managing partner, Muireann Hernon now heads up the project finance team. Irene Nic Chárthaigh and Alan Burns are key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil Campbell


Autres avocats clés:

William Carmody; Muireann Hernon; Micheál Grace; Cathy Grant; Karol Fox; Irene Nic Chárthaigh; Alan Burns


Les références

‘I work with Neil Campbell regularly and find him to be very commercial and practical in the advice that he provides. Irene Nic Charthaigh is always available and very thorough in the advice that she provides.’

‘To date, I have mostly dealt with Karol Fox who is very knowledgeable in the Banking Sector. Karol is very approachable, easily contactable and always willing to help and go the extra mile for his clients. Overall I have always had an excellent experience dealing with MHC and Karol and his team in particular.’

‘Cathy Grant, in particular, is a firm favourite. She has unrivalled expertise and knowledge of cross-border financings. She delivers superb quality of work and advice every time. ’

Principaux clients

Citibank N.A.


Bank of America, N.A.


RBC Europe Limited


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Permanent TSB Public Limited Company


The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland


Arjun Infrastructure Partners


EasyHotel


Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale


Permira Credit Group


Home Building Finance Ireland Lending DAC


EdgeconneX


BAWAG P.S.K.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Citibank and Bank of America in connection with a $28.5bn senior unsecured bridge loan facility for Amgen.
  • Advised Permanent TSB on the disposal of the Project Glenbeigh IV portfolio.

Matheson LLP

Matheson LLP is very highly regarded for its strength in handling debt restructurings, syndicated and bilateral loans, acquisition finance, sustainability-linked financings and loan portfolio sales. The team is regularly instructed by a solid client roster of international banks, domestic banks and financial institutions, as well as domestic and multinational companies, private equity houses and asset managers. Maireadh Dale, who co-heads the finance and capital markets department, has an excellent reputation for her experience in real estate finance, leveraged finance, corporate finance and asset finance. Patrick Molloy remains active in structured finance, securitisations, project finance, and general banking matters. David O’Mahony handles big-ticket financing mandates, and Paul Carroll has expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance and general corporate lending matters. Finnbahr Boyle made partner in January 2023; Donal O’Donovan and Michael Hastings have now left the firm.

Responsables de la pratique:

Turlough Galvin; Maireadh Dale


Autres avocats clés:

David O’Mahony; Paul Carroll; Finnbahr Boyle; Patrick Molloy


Les références

‘Partner availability, support to work through structural nuances, turnaround time, communication.’

‘Paul Carroll- exceptional support and commitment to tight transactions.’

‘We work with both the regulatory advice team and the transaction team in Banking and Finance in Matheson. The sub-teams in Matheson seem to interact and collaborate well with each other and they have great strength and depth to their practice.’

Principaux clients

Citibank


Allied Irish Banks, plc


The National Treasury Management Agency


The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland


The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund


Bord Na Mona


JPMorgan


Meta


ING Bank


WaterWipes


Stripe


Bank of Montreal


Goldman Sachs


Roundhill Capital


Macquarie


Barclays Bank plc


Danske Bank


Chenavari


Tynagh Energy Limited


Dell Bank


Ulster Bank


HSBC plc


Bank of Ireland


Rabobank


An Post


Horizon Pharma plc


Blackrock


Société Générale


Carne Group


Citibank


Tirlán Co-operative Society Limited (formerly Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited


HSBC Innovation Bank Limited (formerly Silicon Valley Bank)


Waystone Group


Vertex Inc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Bank of Ireland on a €315m syndicated facility advanced to the Tirlán (formerly Glanbia) Group, classified as a sustainability-linked loan.
  • Advised Bank of Ireland on all aspects of its acquisition of all performing loan assets and deposits of KBC Bank Ireland.
  • Advised the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland on the €500m Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme and the €500m Retrofit Loan Scheme.

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP's wide-ranging banking and finance practice takes in multi-layered financings, restructurings, and real estate and development finance matters, as well as assisting alternative lenders with entering into the Irish market. The firm continues to handle a high volume of fund finance matters, and has an expanding presence in the financial services regulatory sphere. The department has also seen a steady growth of work pertaining to ESG and sustainability-linked finance. Niall Powderly leads the corporate banking team, and has an excellent track record in advising pillar banks and international lenders on big-ticket financings. Josh Hogan leads the financial services regulatory group; Eamon de Valera focuses on fund finance and social and affordable housing financing matters; Philip Murphy has extensive experience in advising on hotel and development financings; and Stuart McCarron is an expert in real estate finance. Niall McDowell and Aidan Gleeson are singled out for their contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Niall Powderly; Josh Hogan


Autres avocats clés:

Eamon de Valera; Philip Murphy; Stuart McCarron; Tom Dane; Niall McDowell; Aidan Gleeson; Judith Lawless; James Fitzgerald


Les références

The Banking & Finance team at McCann Fitzgerald are an engaged and highly functioning team that prioritise client needs over anything else. Their desire to provide the best outcome for their clients is a key driving force of their successes. ’

The firm’s focus on putting clients needs first is driven from the individual partners and ethos of the firm. Niall McDowell has forged great relationships with both lenders and borrowers and can seamlessly work across both sides whilst still retaining integrity and professionalism. ’

‘Tom Dane and Philip Murphy are both excellent and well valued legal experts for our firm.’

Principaux clients

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland


Irish Residential Properties REIT plc and its subsidiary IRES Residential Properties Limited


Urbeo Residential Fund ICAV


Dairygold Co-operative Society Limited


Cardinal Capital Group UC


Marlet Property Group


Deutsche Bank AG – London Branch


Bain


Oaktree Capital Management


Citibank


Relm Loan Opportunities 3 Dac


AshGrove Capital


ATA Group


PIMCO


Leumi UK


European Investment Bank


Ornua


SilverPoint


HSBC


MUFG Bnak


Activate


Wells Fargo Capital Finance


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the governor and company of the Bank of Ireland as ‘first out’ lender in connection with refinancing Writech’s existing indebtedness and financing certain bolt-on acquisitions (including Orbital Welding Solutions).
  • Represented Marlet Property Group as borrower for the financing of its development of 1,108 residential apartments in Howth and Grand Canal Harbour in Dublin.
  • Advised Allied Irish Banks, and the governor and company of the Bank of Ireland, on debt facilities to Phoenix Labs Unlimited and connected companies to refinance existing debt and acquire portfolios of assets from Sanofi and other leading international pharmaceuticals companies.

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP's practice has deep expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance, real estate finance, corporate lending and receivables finance, and has experienced growth in high-profile cross-border acquisition financings, alongside sustainability-linked financings and loan-on-loan deals. The department has established strength in handling real estate, technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, infrastructure and utilities, and insurance sector matters. Jason Hollis is highly regarded for handling financings in the technology sector, and Padraic Kinsella has established strength in assisting with corporate lending, real estate finance, acquisition finance and receivables finance. Cork-based partner Laura HoulihanCiarán Herlihy and David O’Shea are key practitioners. Lyn Brennan is now head of the firm’s New York office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jason Hollis; David Maughan


Autres avocats clés:

Padraic Kinsella; Laura Houlihan; David O’Shea; Ciaran Herlihy


Les références

‘Over the years I have worked with a number of partners in the William Fry Dublin office. Their Banking & Finance team has an extremely impressive practice and I wouldn’t hesitate to to recommend their expertise in the banking and finance arena. Their work product is unmatched in Dublin.’

‘I have worked with Ciaran Herlihy’s team and Jason Hollis. Both exceptional practitioners and have their fingers on the pulse of the debt markets in Dublin. Both are extremely well connected and highly skilled negotiators. Both of these attributes help them to get the best outcomes for their clients.’

‘The advice is second to none. The team is commercial, technically excellent and responsive. The team is professional, has market knowledge and demonstrates pragmatism in the context of commercial considerations. The firm is knowledgeable and works well with our other advisors to provide seamless service. William Fry advises on a wide range of transactions and shows consistent high standards for all of them. They have the ability to articulate complex legal points in a way non-legal people can understand.’

Principaux clients

Ardagh Packaging Group


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Apollo Global Management


ARES Management Limited


Australia & New Zealand Banking Group


Bank of America Europe


Bank of Ireland


Barings Bank


BentallGreenOak


Blackrock


Bibby Financial Services


Clayton, Dubliner & Rice


Colony Capital


Cooperative Rabobank


Credit Suisse


Davy


DBS Bank


Deutsche Bank


Diageo


Dutch Infrastructure Fund


Echelon


Eiffel Investments


Eirgrid


EQT


European Investment Bank


Goldman Sachs


Hines


Home for Life


ING Bank


Investec


JP Morgan Chase


Kennedy Wilson


Lazard


Lloyds Banking Group


Lynk


M&G


MML Capital


MUFG


Munich Re


Natixis


Nuveen


OakNorth


Orange Capital Partners


OTP Bank


Oxford Finance


Partners For Growth


PIMCO


PNC


Porsche International Financing


Raiffeisenbank CZ


Real I.S.


RGA Reinsurance


Santander


Silicon Valley Bank/HSBC Innovation Bank


SIRO


Skillsoft


Smurfit Kappa


Société Générale


State Street


Uniphar


Westridge


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as co-counsel to Amgen on a €28.5bn committed bridge and term acquisition facility in connection with a potential takeover of Horizon Therapeutics.
  • Advised EirGrid on its €800m Celtic Interconnector Project.
  • Advised Uniphar on its corporate refinancing.

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard‘s banking and finance group has a solid reputation in the market. The practice has seen significant growth in financial services regulatory matters and energy and infrastructure finance. Real estate and social housing finance are key pillars of strength for the team, which has seen an uptick in work from borrower clients. The group maintains its strong links to lender clients, including Irish pillar banks. Practice head Ray Byrne is highly regarded for his expertise in real estate finance, leveraged finance, fund finance, asset-based lending and corporate lending. Erc Walsh is well known for advising on real estate and development finance, corporate lending and fund finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ray Byrne


Autres avocats clés:

Erc Walsh; Evan Shaughnessy; Padraig Leyden


Les références

‘I deal with Ray Byrne and he has assembled a top class banking department.’

‘Ray Byrne is an excellent solicitor who oozes confidence and is able to deal with any personality on the other side of a transaction. He gives excellent advice and is very strategic in his thinking, which is vital for any client.’

‘The banking and finance team are an incredibly innovative and forward thinking group of people. Ray Byrne is on top of his game and is an incredibly gifted lawyer. We have also worked closely with Padraig Leyden who was a super appointment to an already strong team.’

Principaux clients

Bank of Ireland


Allied Irish Banks, plc


Finance Ireland Credit Solutions Designated Activity Company


Danske Bank A.S.


HSBC Bank plc


National Asset Management Agency


Home Building Finance Ireland


Rabobank Ireland Designated Activity Company


Cannon Kirk


Johnson & Johnson


Lloyds Bank


BNP Paribas


O’Callaghan Hotels Group


TifCo Group


Ardan Advisory / Mercantile Group


Wealth Option Trustees Limited


Applegreen and Petrogas Group


Kepak Group


Kestrel Capital Limited


Medisec Ireland CLG


Karshan Group


Magnet Group


Prim Ed Publishing


Powerleague Group


DunPort Capital Management


Golden Port Estates Limited


Barclays Bank


Irish Diaspora Loan Fund


Activate Capital


Fairfield REF


Relm Finance


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted DunPort Capital Management with the financing of Schivo Medical’s acquisition of APN Global.
  • Advised the Bank of Ireland on a €27.5m financing for Re-turn, the operator of Ireland’s new Deposit Return Scheme.
  • Advised Blazehill Capital on providing a mezzanine asset-based lending facility to members of the CPL Industries Group.

Beauchamps LLP

Real estate and housing finance transactions form the backbone of Beauchamps LLP's practice, with the team regularly acting for a large client base of banks, senior lenders, mezzanine lenders, hedge funds and developers. It also has a solid track record in advising on corporate lending, acquisition finance and debt restructurings. Practice head Daniel Cashman has an excellent reputation for assisting with real estate finance and loan portfolio transactions. Niall O’Brien is a key practitioner to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Cashman


Autres avocats clés:

Niall O’Brien; Jeanne-Marie Moriarty


Les références

‘They have a particularly strong reputation in the banking and finance space, primarily driven by the head of the function, Daniel Cashman.’

‘Daniel Cashman is the long-standing partner we deal with. He is very well respected in the industry and acts for many large clients. He is incredibly responsive and available at all times. He also provides exceptional value for money. Highly trusted.’

‘We need industry and project specific advice from our legal team. In Beauchamps, we use Daniel Cashman for our banking and funding requirements. They are our go to legal advisors. They are backed up by a number of other high quality professionals who also help satisfy our legal needs. ’

Principaux clients

Allied Irish Banks plc


Cabot Financial Ireland Ltd


Cardinal Capital Mezzanine Fund


Digital Bridge


Dwellings Housing Group


Elgin Property Finance


Emerald Investments


Ergo Services Limited


Home Building Finance Ireland


Kennedy Wilson


Lotus Investment Group


Manley Developments Limited


National College of Ireland (NCI)


Pepper Finance Corporation


Respond


Stoneweg SA


Timbercreek Asset Management


Ulster Bank Ireland DAC


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as lead counsel to Respond on all aspects of the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme.
  • Acted as lead Irish counsel pertaining to the establishment of two loan origination funds to facilitate the growth of Timbercreek’s Irish loan origination business.
  • Advised Dwellings on multiple site acquisition and working capital facilities in respect of multiple large residential schemes located throughout Ireland.

ByrneWallace LLP

ByrneWallace LLP is home to an experienced team which remains at the forefront of social housing finance and alternative lending matters. Mark Kavanagh heads up the practice, and is well versed in advising on real estate finance and alternative lending issues. Deirdre McBennett has extensive expertise in handling social, affordable and cost rental housing finance, often acting as counsel to approved housing bodies and regulated funds. Lisa Cawley and consultant Clare O’Hare, who splits her time between Dublin and London, are key contacts for securitisations and structured finance mandates. Paraic O’Kennedy, Elizabeth Ryan and Triona Ryan are notable practitioners.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Kavanagh


Autres avocats clés:

Deirdre McBennett; Paraic O’Kennedy; Lisa Cawley; Elizabeth Ryan; Triona Ryan; Michael O’Neill; Clare O’Hare


Les références

‘The team is very down to earth, approachable and available. They explain banking concepts so that I (without banking experience) can quickly grasp the point, saving me time. The are highly responsive and know when to put the focus on detail and when to put the focus on the commercial big picture that we are trying to achieve.’

‘Deirdre McBennett is consistently excellent. Wide breadth of experience and provides excellent advice across all of our banking activities. She and her team go above and beyond to keep a positive client relationship while keeping costs reasonable. Michael O’Neill is an excellent support. ’

‘Large firm, but has that personal feel when talking to partners. Collaboration between partners is very smooth without the usual of having to bill to brief partners who don’t know the ins and outs of a deal. ’

Principaux clients

BTL Commercial Lending I DAC


BPCI Originator DAC


Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC trading as Pepper Asset Servicing (Pepper)


Avvio


Aurium Capital Markets LLP


Re-Turn (Deposit Return Scheme Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee)


Immunocore Ireland Limited


Neuromod Devices Limited


Oaklee Housing


GridBeyond Limited


Property investment fund (ICAV)


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Pepper Finance Corporation (Ireland) DAC in relation to the sale and purchase of a €770m portfolio of performing residential BTL loans and subsequent warehouse securitisation.
  • Advised Re-Turn on its €27.5m financing by Bank of Ireland for the development and rollout of the Ireland’s new national Deposit Return Scheme.
  • Advised Aurium Social Housing (Ireland) on a secured €100m loan from Ingka Investments Financial Assets Ireland Limited to acquire and develop properties for social housing in Ireland.

Dillon Eustace

Dillon Eustace's large team has a strong track record in real estate finance, corporate lending and securitisation, as well as loan portfolio transactions. The group acts for banks and alternative lenders, and has strong links to the asset management space. The practice has noted capabilities in advising on real estate finance matters involving Irish funds and SPVs, and is equally adept at handling financial services regulatory issues. Conor Keaveny, Keith Robinson, John-Hugh Colleran and Mark Thorne are highly regarded practitioners, and emerging partner Conor Kiernan is a name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Thorne


Autres avocats clés:

Conor Keaveny; Keith Robinson; John-Hugh Colleran; Conor Kiernan


Les références

‘The team are pleasant, professional and commercial. Their fee quotes are realistic, their work is to a high standard, and they effectively manage our expectations. They have a strong knowledge of the Irish market and the realities of doing business in it.’

‘Conor Keaveny is a fantastic all round lawyer – he’s pleasant to deal with, clear and commercial in his advice, and works to an extremely high standard. He’s easy to pick up the phone to, if you have a query, and will never make you feel as though you are wasting his time, no matter how basic or strange the query is. John-Hugh Colleran is also a great all round lawyer, well liked by our lenders for his pleasant attitude, careful advice and timely document turns. Expectations in terms of fees and turn around times are well managed by both lawyers. Dealing with them is just easy.’

Principaux clients

Goldman Sachs


Fairfield Real Estate Finance


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


NAMA


Yew Grove REIT


Bank of Ireland


Deustche Bank AG


Investec Bank


Carval


Centric Health


Clovis Oncology


Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland‘s team continues to handle a steady workflow of real estate finance matters, including housing transactions, real estate funds and REITs issues. Project finance and corporate lending work are also key drivers of work for the group, which has a solid track record in representing large domestic and international banks, financial institutions, and alternative and specialised lenders. Piaras Power leads the practice; Darragh Blake is very well known for his expertise in real estate finance and commercial lending, and Steve Rodgers is sought after for advising on project finance, loan portfolio transactions and restructurings. Robert Potter-Cogan is singled out for his contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Piaras Power


Autres avocats clés:

Darragh Blake; Steve Rodgers; Robert Potter-Cogan; Bronagh McAuliffe; James Peters


Les références

‘Darragh Blake is our main point of contact. He is warm and personable. Always there when you need a quick response. ’

‘Structured, proactive and sensible approach to requirements, leveraging previous knowledge of our business, wider industry experience and relationships to deliver requirement efficiently and to a high quality. Noted partner would be Piaras Power and noted associate would be Bronagh McAuliffe.’

‘The Eversheds Banking and Finance Team are led by one of the most pragmatic, seasoned and knowledgeable practitioners in the country. The team can deliver a transaction with minimum fuss but giving the client comfort that the objectives, priorities and concerns of the transaction have been managed and delivered with the interest of the client being the absolute priority.’

Principaux clients

Activate Capital


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Bayerische Landesbank


Cairn Homes plc


Cardinal Capital Group UC


Close Brothers Commercial Finance


Department of Finance


Eiffel Investment Group SAS


Finance Ireland


Finance Ireland Funding (Fire) DAC


Fibonacci Property ICAV


Fortus Group Ireland Limited


Helaba (Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale)


Hibernia Real Estate Group


National Development Finance Agency


Phenna Group


RELM


Ronan Group Real Estate


Shawbrook Bank Limited (SJR)


SPDC Devco North


The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland


The North Trust Company (SJR)


Ulster Bank Ireland DAC


UniCredit


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Finance Ireland on its €300m warehouse securitisation facility.
  • Advised Allied Irish Banks on providing an  €150m unsecured revolving credit facility to IPUT.
  • Advised SPDC Devco North (a joint venture between Ronan Group Real Estate and Fortress Investment Group) on its €146m refinancing.

Maples Group

Maples Group continues to handle a high volume of new money lending matters. The group has been kept busy advising on refinancings and amendments relating to real estate, acquisition and fund finance, and has seen an uptick in instructions involving debt funds, loan portfolio sales and receivables finance. The client base includes Irish pillar banks, financial institutions and large borrowers, including private equity houses. The practice is led by the triumvirate of Elizabeth BradleySarah Francis and Alma O’Sullivan. Vanessa Lawlor made partner in January 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elizabeth Bradley; Alma O Sullivan; Sarah Francis


Autres avocats clés:

Vanessa Lawlor


Les références

‘Excellent customer service. Strong interpersonal relationships. Elizabeth Bradley, the partner I deal with, excels at this.’

‘Quick turnaround times, excellent response times. Understands our business. ’

‘Particularly strong in the structured finance and real estate finance space.’

Principaux clients

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Bain Capital Credit, L.P.


Barclays Bank PLC


Fortress Investment Group LLC


Goldman Sachs International


Golub Capital Markets LLC


Heitman LLC


HSBC Bank plc


Legal & General Assurance Society


Lloyds Bank plc


Marathon Asset Management, LP


Madison International Realty


National Westminster Bank Plc


Natixis


New Fortress Energy


Nuritas Limited


Real Estate Loan Management


Teamwork Holdings Limited


The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland


Tristan Capital Partners LLP


Urban Volt Limited


Wells Fargo Bank International Unlimited Company


Philip Lee LLP

Philip Lee LLP continues to expand its practice, handling a high volume of development finance, acquisition finance, project finance, media finance and regulatory matters. Under the leadership of Louis Burke, the team is well known for representing Irish pillar banks in matters, and is adept at advising alternative lenders, including lenders in the development finance space. Jonathan Kelly focuses on financing matters in the infrastructure, energy, media and real estate sectors. Simon O’Neill and Ruairí Mac Cumhaill are key practitioners to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Louis Burke


Autres avocats clés:

Ruairí Mac Cumhaill; Jonathan Kelly; Simon O’Neill


Les références

‘Team are strong. I’ve dealt with a number of partners across different lending sectors and have found them to be commercial, responsive and efficient.’

‘Ruairí Mac Cumhailll, Simon O’Neil and Jonathan Kelly. All 3 are commercial and responsive. It’s key to me that I can immediately get access to the partner when I need to during a closing, and each of the 3 above will always facilitate that.’

‘Ruairí Mac Cumhailll – always responsive, solution focused and sees the bigger picture.’

RDJ LLP

RDJ LLP's team advises a range of borrowers and lenders, including Irish banks and alternative lenders, on mid-market transactions, including loan portfolio sales, acquisition and leveraged finance, development finance, and restructurings. The firm is also noted for its expertise in financial services regulatory matters. In the Cork office, Cian Fenton and Tom Fox are key practitioners, and Brian Quinn is a name to note in Dublin. Aisling O’Donovan made partner in January 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Brendan Cunningham; Tom Fox


Autres avocats clés:

Cian Fenton; Brian Quinn; Aisling O’Donovan; Peter McGarvey


Les références

‘The Team in RDJ are always available to help and they are commercial in their approach. Collaboration with all stakeholders is key on transactions with tight deadlines and RDJ are great in this department. ’

‘Tom Fox is very approachable and always willing to help.’

‘Tom Fox is the main partner in RDJ who I deal with. He is always at the end of the phone if i have a query / an issue and can always help us navigate our way through. He is extremely thorough and my customers like him acting for the Bank because when there is a deadline, he goes above and beyond to deliver in time, whilst at all times ensuring us (as his client) are fully protected and updated regularly on how matters are progressing. ’

Principaux clients

Beechbrook Capital


Castlehaven Finance


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Bank of Ireland


Finance Ireland


Marlet Property Group


West Cork Distillers


Carbery Group


Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI)


Permanent TSB plc


Walkers

Walkers' Dublin team leverages the firm's wider global network to assist with large cross-border financings, fund finance and structured finance work. The group has seen an increase in instructions from banks and funds operating in real estate finance, as well as advising on distressed transactions and loan portfolio deals. Co-head of the finance and capital markets group Andrew Traynor is hugely experienced in fund finance work, which is also a recognised area of expertise for Ian McNamee. Team co-head Noeleen Ruddy counts structured finance, non-performing loan sales and workouts as core strengths.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Traynor; Noeleen Ruddy


Autres avocats clés:

Ian McNamee; Paddy Rath


Les références

‘Pragmatic, service oriented and well regarded real estate finance and banking practice. ’

‘The team around Andrew Traynor is very practical-oriented, reliable and fast.’

‘Andrew Traynor convinces through his pragmatic and practice-oriented consulting. His very good availability and flexibility should be emphasised.’

Principaux clients

AIB Bank


Albacore Capital LLP


Apollo Management


Avia Solutions Group


Bank of America N.A


Bank of America Europe DAC


Barclays Bank


Barings


Citibank


Creditshelf AG


Deutsche Bank AG


DTZ Investors


Eagle Street Partners


Hertz


HSBC Bank


Iceland International Seafood, Oceanpath and Carr & Sons


Investec


Irish League of Credit Unions


Nuveen Real Estate Limited


Macquarie Bank


Man Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted as Irish counsel to Nuveen Real Estate / TIAA concerning a green loan facility to finance to a major US hedge fund for the acquisition and development of a large residential development of 295 apartments in the Greater Dublin area.
  • Acted as Irish counsel in connection with the establishment of a €100m off-balance sheet trade receivables financing platform for Swissport International AG.
  • Acted as Irish counsel in relation to the establishment of a €140m funding structure established by Creditshelf AG.

LK Shields Solicitors LLP

LK Shields Solicitors LLP is highly regarded for acting as counsel to Irish pillar banks, and is equally adept at assisting corporate borrowers with a range of banking and finance matters. The group also reports an uptick in instructions from alternative lenders. Under the leadership of Jenny Ahern, the team fields expertise in advising on acquisition finance, growth finance, property and development finance, trade finance and receivables finance. Simon Mahon and property finance expert Peter O’Reilly are also key figures in the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jenny Ahern


Autres avocats clés:

Peter O’Reilly; Simon Mahon


Les références

‘A strong team that takes a commercial approach to deal negotiation and closing.’

‘Jenny Ahern is a top quality legal professional that is able to provide concise and quality legal advice. She willingly takes the lead on finding solutions to issues as they arise.’

‘Efficient, reliable and knowledgeable firm. Consistently deliver exceptional service.’

Principaux clients

Renatus Capital Partners & CRS Cold Storage Group


Ndevor Systems Limited t/a Phorest


Home Building Finance Ireland (Lending) DAC


The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Kajima Ireland Limited


Ameresco Limited


Ellwood Homes Development Limited


Capitalflow Group DAC


Finance Ireland Credit Solutions Designated Activity Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Allied Irish Banks with a range of corporate lending, acquisition finance, trade finance and commercial property finance transactions.
  • Advised Kajima on the financing by Allied Irish Banks of a large-scale PRS (private rented sector) development in Belmayne Co, Dublin.
  • Advised HBFI in relation to the provision of residential site acquisition and development finance.

Dentons Ireland LLP

Dentons Ireland LLP‘s banking and finance team is led by Peter O'Brien, who chairs the firm’s Dublin office and is a very highly regarded leveraged finance practitioner. The practice is regularly instructed by financial sponsors, international lenders and debt funds, and has a solid track record in handling aviation finance matters. Siobhan Carlin focuses on real estate and development finance, and Matthew Cahill is well known for advising on structured finance and securitisation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter O’Brien


Autres avocats clés:

Donal Keane; Siobhan Carlin; Matthew Cahill


Les références

‘Very collaborative and responsive and cost efficient.’

‘Global reach, client service, value for money.’

‘Attention to detail, client service excellence, timely responses.’

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher's Dublin office is best known for real estate and development finance matters, however the group has seen growth in work involving technology and renewable energy sector financings. The client base includes domestic and international lender entities, as well as borrowers. The team frequently acts as counsel to Home Building Finance Ireland on development finance matters pertaining to affordable and social housing developments. Breen Purcell has an excellent track record in handling property finance matters, and Feilim O’Caoimh focuses on corporate lending, leveraged finance and project finance. Paddy Smyth and Elaine Traynor are highly regarded for their expertise in real estate finance and project finance respectively. Director Aaron McGarry is singled out for his contributions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Breen Purcell; Paddy Smyth; Feilim O’Caoimh


Autres avocats clés:

Elaine Traynor; Aaron McGarry


Les références

‘Very strong attention to detail balanced with commercial acumen ensures positive outcomes are achieved. ’

‘Always available to discuss your case.’

Principaux clients

Home Building Finance Ireland (Lending) DAC


eEnergy Group PLC


McCafferty’s Bars and Hospitality Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Home Building Finance Ireland on a number of development finance facilities.
  • Advised McCafferty’s Bars & Hospitality Group on a major acquisition and refinancing transaction, involving the acquisition of a landmark bar in Dublin City Centre and the refinancing of a portfolio of regional bars and restaurants owned by various companies within the group.

Flynn O'Driscoll

Flynn O'Driscoll is a growing force in banking and finance. Led by Michael Hanley, the team regularly acts for a solid client base of borrower entities in matters, and is also adept at representing bankers and alternative lenders. Key areas of strength for the group include acquisition finance, development finance and real estate investment finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Hanley


Hayes Solicitors LLP

At Hayes Solicitors LLP, the banking and finance team assists corporate borrowers and Irish pillar banks with acquisition finance, development finance, real estate finance and corporate lending work. The firm is equally adept at advising Irish subsidiaries of multinational companies on finance matters. Practice head Tim Waghorn, who made partner in 2022, is 'exceptionally professional, knowledgeable and responsive'.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Waghorn


Les références

‘Tim Waghorn is an exceptionally organised and communicative partner. He goes over and above for clients whilst maintaining a commercial approach.’

‘Both the advice and the agreements Hayes draft are clear, concise and delivered on a timely basis. They not only collaborate, but drive projects forward.’

‘I have worked with Tim Waghorn on a number of projects. He is not only excellent at drafting easy to understand documentation, which in my opinion is not easy or common when dealing with complex subjects, but his advice is clear and concise and his communication of the same is exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable, diligent, hard working and a pleasure to deal with. ’

Principaux clients

IIU Nominees Limited


Primark Limited


Bank of Ireland


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


Ulster Bank Ireland DAC


Pepper Asset Servicing (managing portfolios for CarVal and Goldman Sachs)


Cara Pharmacy Group


Castlehaven Property Finance DAC


Home Building Finance Ireland


Santiago Capital


C.F. Peters Group


InvoiceFair Limited


Talbot Group


Blackwell Consultancy Limited


Elkstone Partners


Grenke Invoice Finance


Trend Technologies Group


RHD Housing


Blainroe Golf Club CLG


Tara Studios Limited


Kilternan Cemetery Park Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Allied Irish Banks on property acquisition facilities in relation to a private rental scheme investment portfolio held by an ICAV.
  • Acted as counsel to IIU Nominees Limited on debt facility matters.

Holmes O'Malley Sexton

Holmes O'Malley Sexton is well versed in assisting Irish pillar banks, as well as other lender clients and an increasing number of corporate borrowers, with development finance matters. The practice is led by Limerick-based Lisa Killeen, who brings extensive expertise in handling property and development finance work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Killeen


Les références

‘Very high profile legal practice.’

‘Lisa runs the Banking and Finance team and is very efficient and helpful.’

Principaux clients

Bank of Ireland


Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c.


KBC Bank Ireland p.l.c.


Limerick Twenty Thirty Strategic Development DAC


Permanent TSB, p.l.c.


Home Building Finance Ireland DAC


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Limerick Twenty Thirty Strategic Development with its planned €500m economic regeneration of Limerick city, including loan and security arrangements.
  • Assisted Allied Irish Banks with a loan facility to a company, involving a refinancing matter.
  • Assisted Permanent TSB with loan facilities to SME businesses.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's Dublin office houses a team with a solid track record in handling a range of transactional matters. The banking and finance group is regularly instructed in refinancings, restructurings and new money engagements, and is equally strong in advising on loan portfolio sales, syndicated lending, bilateral loans, and acquisition, development and real estate finance. Ann Lalor heads up the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ann Lalor


Autres avocats clés:

Lisa Matthews


Les références

‘The team are sharp, pragmatic and approachable. ’

‘Ann Lalor and Lisa Matthews make a great team and are able to quickly understand clients’ needs and deliver tailored advice with practical solutions to evolving legal and business challenges.’

Principaux clients

Central Group and SIGNA Holding