We have a proven track record as a market leader advising on private equity and venture capital transactions in Ireland.
Our clients include private equity investors, lenders who are financing private equity deals and vendors selling out to private equity houses. We have acted on most of the key take-privates in Ireland during the last ten years, giving us front-of-market status.
We also act for a number of venture funds, both Irish and international. We have advised on the structuring of new funds and fundraisings as well as on venture capital investments across all sectors, and on exits. We have also acted for investee companies taking part in venture investments.
Recent work includes advising:
Duke Street Capital on the €104m cross-border debt and capital restructuring of Payzone Group;
Ion Equity on the MBO of Ocean Media Group (Inside Communications) and subsequent sale to ABN AMRO;
IIU on its participation in the €22m fundraising by Intune Networks;
Skillsoft plc on the US$1.2bn take private, bid by scheme of arrangement, by a private equity consortium;
IONA Technologies plc on its US$162bn take-private;
Merrion Capital on its €5.5m investment in OR Spreadbetting;
Atlantic Bridge Ventures and ACT Venture Capital on their participation in €14m fundraising by Firecomms;
Scottish Equity Partners and Delta Partners in their investment in Clavis Technology; and
Numerous venture fundraisings and fund structurings for the major Irish venture capital players, including ACT Venture Capital, Delta Partners and NCB Partners.
Department
Sources say: “William Fry is fabulous. It understands the issues clients face and ensures transactions progress smoothly.”
Chambers Europe, 2012 - Corporate/M&A
William Fry’s "first-class" team is capable of "devising and delivering a solution" that clients are happy with.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Corporate & Commercial
William Fry’s Corporate/M&A group has a loyal client following and handles many of the market’s top deals…The firm has a strong international pedigree, having developed close relationships with top London law firms and US outfits. Sources say: “William Fry has top-quality individuals who focus entirely on achieving their clients' goals.” “The firm suits the needs of clients perfectly with its incredibly dynamic corporate practice.”
Chambers Global, 2010 – Corporate/M&A
William Fry has an "unmatched ability to understand business objectives", winning particular praise for its M&A and competition practices.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Corporate & Commercial
This “efficient and talented” team continues to make a clear mark on the Irish business landscape, increasing its M&A and public takeover activity and impressing clients with its “genuine mutual trust and respect – you can have a forthright conversation with these lawyers and they will listen and act on what you want done.”
Chambers Global, 2009 – Corporate/M&A
William Fry has an "excellent core of experienced seniors and partners".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009 – Corporate & Commercial
Team
Myra Garrett
Myra Garrett "has a commercial acumen and pragmatism that is unusual to find in a lawyer.”
Chambers Global 2012 - Corporate/M&A
Managing partner Myra Garrett is "highly accomplished".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Capital Markets
Managing partner Myra Garrett is a "high-performing, tenacious and commercial lawyer" with a broad practice that encompasses IPOs, M&A, venture capital investment and corporate governance.
Chambers Global, 2010 – Corporate/M&A
Myra Garrett has a "keen understanding of client needs and communicates effectively".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Capital Markets
"Exceptional" managing partner Myra Garrett.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Corporate & Commercial
“A tough negotiator, and someone you definitely want in your corner rather than your opponent’s.” Clients commend her practicality on deals and excellent knowledge of the law surrounding corporate governance and venture capital investment.
Chambers Global, 2009 – Corporate/M&A
Brendan Heneghan
Leading light Brendan Heneghan is, according to clients, “one of the best there is in terms of training and mentoring his team.”
Chambers Global, 2010 – Capital Markets
Brendan Heneghan is “an amazingly sharp guy and one of the most productive lawyers around.”
Chambers Global, 2009– Corporate/M&A
Stephen Keogh
The "very thorough" Stephen Keogh is recommended.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2012 - Corporate & Commercial
Stephen Keogh is a transactions-focused lawyer with particular expertise in private equity.
Chambers Global, 2010 – Capital Markets
The "outstanding" Stephen Keogh.
Legal 500 EMEA, 2009 – Corporate & Commercial
Private equity specialist Stephen Keogh is “incisive and extremely capable,” and “gets deals done rather than over-lawyering the issue.”
Chambers Global, 2009 – Corporate/M&A
Shane O'Donnell
Shane O'Donnell is credited as being “young and progressive with a good business head. He is a clear thinker and a good worker.”
Chambers Global 2012 - Corporate/M&A
Shane O’Donnell is valued for his "commercial input".
Legal 500 EMEA, 2010 – Capital Markets