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The ‘exceptional’ team at A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland ‘knows what it is doing’, and is ‘on top of the game’, providing specialist advice with deep business acumen. ‘Excellent’ practice head Mark Thompson has ‘outstanding, down-to-earth communication skills, and a common-sense, commercially focused approach’. It advises Invest NI on corporate and commercial matters; and also advised Clarendon Fund Managers Limited in its negotiations with Invest NI on the establishment of Co-Fund NI, a new co-investment fund. Peter Stafford is widely recognised and respected within the local business community, and is ‘a high-quality lawyer with a quiet, reassuring approach that gives clients confidence’. Alastair Keith joined from Arthur Cox, and is ‘very knowledgeable and personable, with unswerving dedication to getting something over the line’.

Arthur Cox’s team is a leading force in the market, and ‘alive to the wider issues’, with ‘very in-depth knowledge’. It advised Dunbia on the sale of the entire issued share capital of Maganey Industries (NI) Limited; and TPH (UK) Limited on its acquisition of a controlling interest in Body Temple Limited. Practice head Alan Bissett is ‘very good to deal with, and goes the extra mile’; Lynsey Mallon is ‘highly responsive and strong both technically and practically’; and Alan Taylor ‘gets the deal done’.

Carson McDowell acted for the shareholders of Singularity Limited in the company’s $48m sale to Kofax plc, which also involved the sale of an Indian subsidiary. Neasa Quigley has been promoted to co-head the corporate finance team with Michael Johnston, who is recommended along with Dawn McKnight. David Jamison has retired.

The team at Pinsent Masons Belfast LLP is highlighted for its ‘high levels of service co-ordination and effectiveness’. It acted as lead legal adviser for the shareholders of a Northern Ireland based global email company on its disposal to US-based Concentrix Group. Practice heads Paul McBride and Richard Gray are recommended.

‘Quality firm’ Tughans recently advised the shareholders of London-based Newfield Technology Limited on its disposal to US-based Xerox. Recommended individuals include practice head John-George Willis, managing partner Ian Coulter, Vicky Dummigan and James Donnelly.

Instructing Cleaver Fulton Rankin brings an ‘instant advantage’. The firm advised the Halo business angel programme operated by Northern Ireland Science Park on the structuring and promotion of its 2010/12 EIS fund. The straight-talking Scott Kennedy is able to ‘see through the options and point a clear path’.

The ‘solid’ team at Mills Selig has ‘deep legal and commercial understanding’. It advised DCC Energy at all stages of its acquisition of major competitor Maxol. Practice head Richard Fulton is recommended, and Chris Guy ‘heads the pack of Belfast’s next generation of corporate lawyers’.

C & H Jefferson advises on the gamut of corporate matters, including M&A deals and business start-ups. Bombardier Shorts Inc and Harland and Wolff are longstanding clients. Ken Rutherford is the name to note.

Elliott Duffy Garrett provides corporate and commercial advice to domestic and foreign clients. Kevin McVeigh is recommended.

Johnsons Solicitors advised Isaac Agnew Group on the sale of group companies to Synter Group. A number of its key team members, including practice head John McMahon, are qualified in multiple jurisdictions, enhancing its abilities on cross-border deals.

Julie Huddleston heads the team at John McKee & Son, whose recent work includes advising on demergers of family-owned businesses. Clients include cold storage and haulage companies, and several retail supermarkets.

Millar McCall Wylie provides ‘practical, innovative advice and adds real value during a transaction’. It is instructed by Northern Ireland Screen regarding funding for new projects, recently advising on productions by Universal Pictures and HBO. Damian McParland has a ‘hands-on’ approach, and is lauded for the interplay of his corporate and insolvency expertise. He and Abbie Long are ‘friendly, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable’.

Linus Murray heads the commercial department at O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors, which also advises on corporate matters, with a focus on M&A.

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