The Legal 500

Since the merger of niche firm STJ Legal, comprised of former Arthur Cox partners Mark Thompson, Peter Stafford and Patricia Johnston, A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland has had a significant presence in the market. In 2007 the firm acted for Scottish and Southern Energy Plc on the Northern Ireland aspects of its _1.8bn acquisition of Airtricity. Mark Thompson is highlighted as _ an exceptional individual _; clients also rate Peter Stafford very highly.

Michael Johnston heads a corporate team at Carson McDowell that draws praise for being _ highly experienced and keeping cool in difficult situations _. The end of 2006 saw the firm act for Bahrain-based investment bank Arcapita Bank in the �1.62bn acquisition of Viridian Group. The team_s experience extends to M&A, private equity and venture capital, inward investment and JVs, with Leeanne Whaley recommended on acquisitions and disposals.

L'Estrange & Brett _s corporate practice has a substantial reputation through partners Paul McBride, Richard Gray and new partner Hilary Griffith, noted for their _ excellent understanding of the issues _. The firm_s experience extends to venture capital and private equity, reorganisations and demergers. The firm recently won the mandate to act for Ladbrokes on its acquisition of Belfast-based Eastwood Bookmakers, for �117.5m.

Clients praise Tughans _ corporate team for its _ enthusiasm and hands-on approach _, with clients highlighting Ian Coulter _s _ heavy involvement in all aspects of the commercial negotiation _. The five-partner team specialises in M&A, corporate finance, MBOs and MBIs and advised Resources Services Limited on the acquisition of Pall Mall, the UK cleaning and security services division of Carillion, the conclusion of which created the largest support services company in Ireland.

The corporate team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin, led by Stephen Cross, advises on a broad spectrum of corporate matters from JVs, private equity transactions, acquisitions and disposals through to AIM listings and IPOs. Recent instructions include acting for Essilor International in the acquisition of a majority shareholding in United Optical.

_ Corporate force _, Mills Selig fields a small group of corporate lawyers that are considered highly experienced in venture capital, with Richard Fulton _ very capable _. The firm also handles M&A matters and commercial agreements. In 2007 the firm acted for Fusion Anti-bodies Limited in securing �1.12m from Crescent Capital, Veridian Growth Fund and Qubis in order to fund ongoing research into new anti-body based cancer drugs.

Arthur Cox sought to consolidate its market position in 2007 by recruiting Alan Taylor from Carson McDowell to head up the corporate department. The firm also hired former Allen & Overy LLP senior associate Joan Boyle and Lynsey Mallon, formerly of Shoosmiths. The team has extensive experience in M&A matters, corporate governance and JVs and in 2007 acted for Musgrave Investment in relation to the acquisition of J&J Haslett (Holdings) Limited.

C & H Jefferson boasts close ties to Northern Ireland-based project management firm Harland and Wolff as well as aerospace firm Bombardier Shorts, advising on some landmark projects in Northern Ireland. The practice has experience in M&A, company formation and sale and corporate finance. Ken Rutherford is the principal corporate contact at the firm.

Kevin McVeigh heads up the corporate practice at Elliott Duffy Garrett and is ably supported by the eminent Michael Wilson. The firm specialises in corporate areas such as acquisitions and disposals and venture capital, with the client base consisting of local and international organisations looking to exploit Northern Ireland_s investment potential.

The corporate team at John McKee & Son has been steadily expanding to reflect its growing profile and client base. The firm is instructed by local, UK and international clients on M&A, JV and corporate governance matters, with Avril McCammon being a standout presence within the firm.

Eric Boyd and Gordon Greenfield reside over an active corporate practice at McKinty and Wright. The firm advises on drafting commercial contracts, investment and shareholder agreements and the sale and purchase of businesses.

Brian White is the key contact for corporate matters at Comerton Hill and advises on the sale and purchase of company shares, acquisitions and agency agreements.

McCartan Turkington Breen provides advice on general company law including secured lending and JVs. Raymond McGinley is the corporate head at the firm.

Former corporate partner of McGrigors Belfast LLP, Richard Masters has been appointed managing partner of the entire firm, but the Belfast office continues to be active in M&A work, public offerings and flotations.

Linus Murray at O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors advises on corporate matters including M&A and commercial agreements.