A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP is a go-to for private equity firms investing in Northern Ireland. The team has deep expertise in high-profile transactions for PE firms. The department is also adept at handling deals both locally and across the UK, USA, and beyond under the leadership of David Rowan, who is an expert in strategic acquisitions. Mark Thompson has an impressive track record in the energy, healthcare, and media industries. Multi-jurisdictional deals are the cornerstone of Peter Stafford’s practice, while Sarah Dugdale is a key contact for a wide breadth of clients. Catherine Irvine, who was promoted to partner in November 2024, has expertise in the private equity and venture capital sectors, while Steven Duggan, who joined in November 2024, is also highlighted. Alastair Keith departed in September 2024.

The corporate and commercial team at Arthur Cox Belfast stands out for its deep expertise with blue-chip clients across a broad spectrum of sectors, covering agri-food, retail, healthcare, and logistics. The team is adept at handling high-value transactions nationally and regularly advises on cross-border deals for multinational organisations. Practice head Lynsey Mallon provides top-tier counsel to major corporations and global organisations, covering company law and corporate governance mandates. Other individuals of note include David White, a specialist in M&A in the energy sector, and Richard Armstrong, a key contact for tech companies in corporate matters. Lois Arbuthnot and Erin Carruthers support the team on the entire range of complex acquisitions.

Private equity and venture capital transactions are key focus areas for Carson McDowell’s corporate team. The team’s strengths in M&A cover the technology, energy, agri-food, financial services and hospitality sectors. Neasa Quigley leads the team alongside Gerard Armstrong. Quigley advises on local and international deals, while Armstrong leverages over two decades of experience for key agri-food clients. Transactional lawyer Hilary Griffith is an expert in the manufacturing sector, and Paul McGuickin is the go-to for hospitality and leisure-related matters. Le-ann Campbell, Rosie Timoney and Kathryn Laverty are other notable practitioners.

Tughans is praised for its strength in venture capital and private equity transactions. The team’s deep clientele of PE funds benefits from the department’s expertise in cross-border transactions across the UK. James Donnelly leads the team and is well-versed in the technology, engineering and healthcare sectors. John McGuckian advises on major transactions, including private equity investments. Paul O’Brien is active in venture capital transactions, while Ben Sims and Aimee Craig focus their practices on M&A.

The corporate and M&A practice at Davidson McDonnell has a broad client roster, from early-stage tech companies to PLCs. The practice is led by Vicky Dummigan, who focuses on venture capital funding deals for both leading investment funds and high-growth startups. Raymond Duddy, who was promoted to director in February 2024, acts for clients in business sales and acquisitions and high-value group restructurings. Christopher Bullock also leads on several acquisitions, including in the tech sector.

Mills Selig’s corporate team is well-versed in sales and acquisitions and also has expertise in fund formation, debt and equity funding and management buyouts. Team lead Chris Guy is a key contact for the full breadth of corporate matters, including investment fund formation and domestic and cross-border equity investments. John Kearns is an expert in the corporate aspects of restructurings. Glenn Watterson is highlighted for his experience in M&A across the IT, energy and hospitality sectors. Darren Marley specialises in advisory and transactional work for clients in the TMT industry. Supporting the team are Emma McCloskey, Lynsey Mcsherry and Peter Cashel, who handle corporate work.

Drawing on its international reach, the corporate team at Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP benefits from offices throughout the UK, from Birmingham and Manchester to Leeds and Dublin, to advise on a broad range of corporate matters. The team is particularly active in the energy industry, advising energy service companies, offshore wind farm developers and private equity firms on asset transfers and reorganisations. The department is led by private equity expert Lisa Early, who is well equipped to handle cross-border matters. Michael Hamill’s chief focus lies in the energy sector, while Sarah-Louise Baird is highlighted for her expertise in the renewables sector.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s corporate and commercial team is well-versed in advising public sector organisations and private sector clients. The team’s workload consists of advising on share purchases and group reorganisations. Leading the team is M&A specialist Stuart Sproule, whose strengths cover transactions in the manufacturing, finance, and energy sectors. Paul McBride is an expert in management buy-outs, fund raisings, and private equity investments. Infrastructure projects are a key aspect of Stephen Cross’ practice, while Sinead Stewart advises financial institutions and borrowers on general corporate lending mandates.

DWF’s corporate department boasts strong local expertise and regularly supports M&A transactions across England and the Republic of Ireland. The team is co-led by James Morrison and Scott Kennedy. Morrison focuses his work in the TMT, real estate and life sciences sectors, while Kennedy is adept at advising early-stage companies in the tech industry.

The corporate and banking team at Elliott Duffy Garrett advises both public and private sector clients, including those in the agri-food, construction and housing association sectors. Kevin McVeigh leads the practice and advises on a range of matters from share transfers and mergers to shareholder buy-outs. Cathy Murphy and John McElrone are also noted.

Local entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses and private equity funds form the core of Millar McCall Wylie LLP’s corporate and commercial team’s clientele. The department is led by Damian McParland, who has deep expertise in the corporate aspects of secured lending transactions and is a go-to for businesses in the media and entertainment sector. Also strong in the media and entertainment sector, Abbie Long has vast experience in distressed matters, including high-value refinancings and restructurings. John Finnegan focuses on corporate finance and M&A and has carved out a niche for himself in the betting and gaming industries. Another stand-out individual is Louise Cavanagh, who supports the team on drafting and negotiating all aspects of corporate transactions.

Private equity, venture capital and renewable energy-related matters make up the bedrock of Shoosmiths LLP’s corporate workload. The corporate team is jointly led by Andrew Jennings, who has a specialty in the tech and automotive sector, and Grant Edwards, who is an expert in M&A in the energy sector. Laura Leathem supports the team on a range of corporate matters, including advising on both equity and debt investments. Tiarnán McKenna is also highlighted for handling mandates within the energy and infrastructure sector.