About

Irish Life is one of the biggest financial companies in Ireland, offering life insurance, pension and investment products to over one million customers. Up until 2012, Irish Life was part of Irish Life & Permanent, before becoming part of the Great-West Lifeco group in 2013. This sale ended the Irish government’s involvement in the company, allowing the Canadian insurance group to take full control. During this time of change for Irish Life, the legal team, led by David Boyle as general counsel and member of the senior leadership team, was fundamental to the continued successful navigation of market turmoil, state intervention and evolving regulation. Since the takeover, Irish Life has continued to go from strength to strength, entering new markets and developing new products. The company’s entry into the Irish healthcare market was wrought with potential legal challenges and risk, but the legal team has successfully utilised its expertise and experience to allow the company to continue with its strategic goals. Irish Life now holds 21% of the health insurance market after the recent acquisitions of Aviva Health and GloHealth. Boyle and the team were central at all junctures, from discussion of terms, negotiation, contract drafting and subsequent integration.