William Fry has recruited 12 members of Eversheds Sutherland's corporate/M&A practice, including four partners, after a proposed merger between the law firms failed earlier this year.
The appointments enhance William Fry's corporate offering and expands a team that comprises more Legal 500-ranked corporate/M&A partners than any other Irish law firm.
Gerard Ryan, the Eversheds' former head of corporate, has over 25 years of experience in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions with a particular focus on cross-border matters and technology-related transactions and companies.
Enda Newton has more than 20 years' experience in M&A, equity capital markets, private equity, venture capital and financial regulation.
He previously served as senior corporate lawyer at the Department of Finance, advising on major transactions during Ireland’s banking crisis, including the restructuring of the Promissory Note element of Ireland's legacy banking debt, the liquidation of IBRC and the sale of Irish Life to Great West Lifeco.
Gavin O'Flaherty also has extensive experience in domestic and international M&A, with particular expertise in the financial services, agri-food, and healthcare sectors.
He also has extensive experience in corporate reorganisations and investments, including guiding foreign corporates on foreign direct investment into the Irish market.
As a chartered tax adviser, O'Flaherty specialises in advising private equity and venture capital firms on their investments in or acquisitions of Irish companies. He has been involved in several of the largest private equity transactions in and through Ireland in recent years.
Maria O'Brien joins as a corporate partner, advising domestic and international clients in a variety of sectors on M&A, fundraising, governance and shareholder arrangements.
Her career began at FEXCO, and since transitioning to private practice, she has developed a strong focus on M&A transactions, private equity, and venture capital investments.
"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional team to William Fry. Their deep experience and proven ability to navigate sophisticated transactions will significantly enhance our client offering," said Andrew McIntyre, head of William Fry's corporate/M&A department.
"Their arrival strengthens the breadth and depth of our Corporate/M&A practice, firmly positioning us as the go-to law firm in Ireland for M&A transactions.
"As our clients’ needs evolve, we are focused on continuing to develop a team that can deliver strategic, commercial advice across every stage of the corporate lifecycle - these appointments are a key part of that vision."
William Fry employs 500 staff, including over 350 legal and tax professionals, across its offices in Dublin, Cork, London, New York and San Francisco.
The firm has core practice areas in corporate/M&A, banking & finance, litigation & investigations, asset management & investment funds, real estate, insurance, competition & regulation, tax, projects & construction, employment & benefits and technology.
Its clients include leading Irish and international companies and institutions, private equity funds, public and private, as well as state and public sector bodies.
