Recent work includes advising:

• Linde AG (LING.DE) on its proposed merger with US industrial group Praxair  Inc (PX.N) in a deal that will create the world’s largest supplier of industrial gas. The new company formed from the planned $70bn merger will likely be based in the Republic of Ireland. The proposed merger is the largest M&A deal in Europe in 2017.
• Innocoll Holdings plc, the NASDAQ-listed specialty pharmaceutical company, on the recommended offer by Gurnet Point Capital to acquire it by scheme of arrangement under Ireland's Companies Act 2014  
• The institutional investors in Neuravi, an Irish medical device company focused on stroke treatment, on its sale to Codman Neuro (part of the Johnson & Johnson group), reported as the largest exit of a venture-backed European medtech company since 2009 
• King Digital Entertainment on its $5.9bn acquisition by Activision Blizzard, one of the largest deals in the history of the interactive entertainment industry
• International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) on its €1.4bn takeover of Aer Lingus Group plc. This is the biggest ever aviation transaction relating to an Irish airline and the largest involving a European carrier in the last decade.
• Life Sciences Partners, the leading  European healthcare investor, on its lead investment in the €17m Series B fundraising by Vivasure, an Irish medical device company 
• AA plc on the €156.6m sale of AA Ireland
• The shareholders of Brite:Bill on the sale of their company to AmDocs
• The shareholders of the Redbrook Group on the sale of their group to Frutarom
• Selfridges Group on its acquisition of sole control of the Arnotts Group following several loan purchase transactions, a debt-for-equity restructuring and a property spin-out
• the shareholders of the Jurys Inns Chain in its sale to Lone Star 
• Silicon & Software Systems (S3) on its sale of its TV Technology division to Accenture

View all

Department

• Interviewees indicate the firm's approach is "the perfect balance of knowledge and getting things done." Sources extol the range of the firm's practice: "They are a strong firm and deal with issues which we raise with them, across a wide spectrum of areas, in a straightforward way." Market observers also note that "William Fry is capable of handling issues for a large multinational and has lots of experience with everything." Chambers Global, 2018 
• Clients appreciate that the lawyers "made an effort to get to know us, were practical, commercial, strong in negotiations and could explain Irish law in a clear way to US buyers." "It has always been a pleasure to work with them", say clients."The drafting is first class, they are good negotiators and their manner is conducive to getting the deal done." Chambers Global, 2017 
• William Fry has a "proactive and resourceful team’ with "outstanding legal strategists" and "tremendous dealmakers". Legal 500, EMEA 2017
• "All the people there are exceptional - whoever you work with can take you through the whole process and you will be in excellent hands. There is remarkable strength in depth throughout the team."  "Provides constructive and focused solutions. A strong firm that I'd happily work with again." Chambers Global, 2016
• William Fry is "an exceptional firm". Legal 500 EMEA, 2016
• "The legal advice is always given in a digestible, user-friendly format, and the team understands market practices well, not just in Ireland but internationally. It is sophisticated in what it does." 
  "The team is good at cutting through to the key issues and comprehensive in terms of identifying risks. The team is responsive, the level of care and attention is strong and the advice is clear to understand." 
  Chambers Global, 2015 
• William Fry’s team has ‘tremendous industry knowledge and experience’. Legal 500 EMEA, 2015 
• "We use William Fry because it has such a broad base. When you are doing a deal and it spans a number of sectors you get someone co-ordinating matters." "It is very much solution-oriented and presents us with a spectrum of outcomes which really helps with the decision-making process." Chambers Europe, 2014
• William Fry is "a very professional firm with a great breadth of legal and business acumen".  Legal 500 EMEA, 2014
• Sources say: “If you are looking for exceptional work from smart, responsive people William Fry is the place to go.” “We get a Rolls-Royce service. The team can tackle any problem and I am treated like an individual not just a faceless client.” Chambers Global, 2013 
• William Fry will "stay at the table for as long as it takes to close the deal’ and its lawyers are ‘very strong negotiators'. Legal 500 EMEA, 2013
• Sources say: 'William Fry is fabulous. It understands the issues clients face and ensures transactions progress smoothly.' Chambers Europe, 2012
• William Fry’s 'first-class' team is capable of 'devising and delivering a solution' that clients are happy with. Legal 500 EMEA, 2012

Team

Bryan Bourke

• Bryan Bourke is highlighted by clients for his "experience, gravitas and judgement." Chambers Global 2017
  
  Clients admire his "ability to tackle complex issues, including extremely difficult negotiations with other parties. He is an extremely strong character with a huge reputation." Chambers Global 2016
• "Extemely shrewd and extremely trustworthy," Bryan Bourke always has his clients' interest in mind.  Chambers Global 2015
• Practice head Bryan Bourke is ‘a brilliant lawyer who delivers in full and on time’. Legal 500 EMEA, 2015
• Clients describe Bryan Bourke as "an excellent quarterback. He can translate stuff from the Irish context and knows all the details without losing the bigger picture. His team was extremely thorough." Chambers Global 2014
• Bryan Bourke is ‘technically brilliant'. Legal 500 EMEA, 2014
• Bryan Bourke is "a great thinker with a fantastic ability to absorb information and use it practically." Chambers Global 2013

Shane O'Donnell

• Shane is described as "a terrific business lawyer, with common sense second to none."  Chambers Global 2017
• Practice head Shane O’Donnell descibed as a ‘tremendous dealmaker’. Legal 500 EMEA 2017
• Amongst extensive praise from interviewees, one client states: "Shane embodies this firm's brilliance. He executes our objectives to the letter and he is able to anticipate our goals and boundaries very accurately, which frees us up to be more productive as an organisation." Chambers Global 2016 
• Shane is praised by clients for his practical approach; "in addition to legal skills, he also brings a commercial dimension," comments one source. Chambers Global 2015
• Shane O’Donnell is  ‘knowledgeable’. Legal 500 EMEA, 2015
• Shane is praised by clients for his top-rate negotiation and management skills. Chambers Global 2014
• Shane O’Donnell is 'recommended.' Legal 500 EMEA, 2014
• Corporate finance specialist Shane O'Donnell is a valued adviser to his clients. He is “hugely commercial. He identifies the real business issue and helps me deal with that.” Chambers Global 2013

Myra Garrett

• Myra has a particular focus on advising technology companies on fund-raisings, particularly IPOs and open offers. Sources describe her as "hugely competent." Chambers Global 2017 
• Myra Garrett is a market-leading ECM lawyer, whose "experience is highly impressive". Clients describe Myra as "a very smart lawyer with good commercial focus."  Chambers Global, 2016
• "Highly skilled practitioner Myra Garrett is well regarded by peers and clients for her expertise in the corporate/M&A field, with particular strengths in the technology sector."  Chambers Global 2015
• Myra Garrett is ‘commercially savvy’. Legal 500 EMEA, 2015
• Myra Garrett is known in the market as a "formidable operator" with particular expertise in the technology sector. Clients add that "she is very good at pulling together the broader resources. We are very impressed with her personality, capability and strength of knowledge."  Chambers Global 2014
• Myra Garrett is commended by clients as an “outstanding commercial adviser. She is excellent at applying the legal side to our business needs and getting us the result we need.” Chambers Global 2013

Stephen Keogh

• Clients say he is "top-class: a great guy who does a great job." Chambers Global 2017
• "Stephen has been extremely helpful at all times - he responds quickly to queries and is generally available if needed”. IFLR 1000 2017 
• "He has the highest integrity, and is bright, commercial, solution-focused and always gets results."  Chambers Global 2016
• "Stephen Keogh has experience in dealing with cross-border mandates for multinational clients. He also has expertise in handling private equity transactions." Chambers Global 2015
• Stephen is an ‘exceptional professional’. Legal 500 EMEA, 2015
• Stephen has notable strength in technology. According to clients, he "always impresses everybody, is very pragmatic and cuts to the core of things with his commercial mind." Chambers Global 2014
• "Stephen is regarded as an accomplished transactional lawyer with notable expertise in private equity and venture capital work." Chambers Global 2013 

Brendan Cahill

• Brendan Cahill offers in-depth knowledge of cross-border merger and acquisitions, focusing on inward investment and foreign direct investment, with a significant client base amongst US multinationals. Chambers Europe 2016
• "Brendan Cahill is a recognised M&A practitioner with experience in handling cross-border transactions, particularly in the USA." Chambers Global 2015
• Brendan is recognised by sources as an "excellent practitioner."  Chambers Global 2014
• “Sharp and clever,” Brendan Cahill is praised as an outstanding technical lawyer. Chambers Global 2013 

Alvin Price

• Alvin Price is seen by clients as "an extraordinarily strategic individual." Chambers Global 2017
• "Chairman Alvin Price is a renowned expert in the field of corporate/M&A, assisting clients with critical issues arising out of complex transactions. He has a profound understanding of Irish takeover law." Chambers Global 2015 
• Alvin Price is known for his ability to "close the deal with a great level of engagement. He pulls the team together and comes in and tops and tails it." One client appreciated the personal service provided: "It feels like there is a lot of communication and interaction in the background. He was almost like your account manager and saves you money because you don't have to repeat yourself." Chambers Global 2014
• Alvin Price is highlighted as “an absolutely brilliant corporate lawyer.” Chambers Global 2013