Founded in Dublin in 1992, Dillon Eustace is focussed on advising for investment funds and private equity clients. The firm has expanded internationally since the end of the last century, opening offices in Tokyo, New York, and the Cayman Islands.
Focusses / specialisms
First and foremost, the firm is a funds specialist. It has one of the country’s most experienced practices and one of the largest by funds under management, advising more Irish domiciled funds than any other firm in the country.
In the lending space the firm typically advises investment funds and private equity firms in obtaining financing. However, international banks and domestic lenders also instruct the firm on acquisition and real estate development financings.
In capital markets work the firm is stronger on the debt side with experience advising issuers on convertible bond sales. In structured finance and securitisation work the firm advises on ABS and RMBS structures most commonly.
The financial services regulatory team often advises clients on the regulatory aspects of transactions.
In M&A the firm has cross border experience advising private equity and investment funds on acquisitions across a range of sectors.
In restructuring and insolvency work the firm typically acts for custodians in the restructuring of Irish and multinational companies, but also does work on the liquidator or examiner’s side.
Key clients
Among its clients are Blantyre Capital, Briggs, DMG Media, MML, Centric Health, Tigers Childcare, Euroflex, NNIT, Travelwin, IQ-EQ Group, Lapithus Management, AIB and Deloitte.
Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
During the research period the firm was active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, financial services regulatory, and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking and finance the firm advised mostly borrowers, including ICAV funds, on loan portfolio acquisitions, direct financing, refinancing and acquisition financing.
In corporate and M&A the firm advised sellers and acquirers on acquisitions in various industries, including media, technology, insurance, healthcare and aviation.
In financial services regulatory it advised clients in financial services, investment funds and services, and insurance on e-payments services offering, AML/CFT requirements, Electronic Money Institution authorisation, lending services authorisations and on regulatory matters related to financial services offering and acquisitions.
In restructuring and insolvency, it advised mostly receivers, liquidators and creditors on receiverships, financial and business restructurings, and examinerships.
Recent staffing changes include the departure of Lorcan Tiernan, partner of corporate and M&A who became a consultant.
Deal highlights: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Briggs €11.2 million acquisition of Laois Hire Services
Briggs €5 million acquisition of Aerial Platform Hire
SL Controls €17 million acquisition of NNIT A/S
Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"They did great - they understand cryptoassets and the applicable regulatory framework very well and provide concise, business-friendly advise. "
"Very efficient, very responsive, very knowledgeable. Also challenging in a positive way where required. "
"They offered a great service and are very business-friendly and to the point. "
Insolvency
"Technically exceptionally strong with robust advice backed up by commercial analysis on the impact of the said advice."
"Proactive, practical, commercial and responsive."
"Knowledge and collegiality."
"Hands-on partner involvement; close-knit team; knowledgeable about the area."
"Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Very reassuring. "
"Commercial, responsive."
"Highly adept and knowledgeable litigators and highly experienced property lawyers."
Investment funds
"Reliable and experts in a wide range of fields. Excellent understanding of complex issues and provide effective solutions with positive outcomes"
"They have great expertise in the area of investment funds and extensive experience in dealing with the regulator, which is a significant benefit for clients."
M&A
"Communication; knowledge; problem-solving."
"The two partners with whom I have the greatest familiarity in the firm are very intelligent, collaborative and approach transactions with a 'problem-solving' mentality. They are both highly respected corporate lawyers in the Irish market. "
Jamie Ensor
"Highly knowledgeable and provides good advice across litigation."
Adrian Benson
"Brilliant communicator; knowledge; problem-solver."
"He is very intelligent, collaborative and approaches transactions with a 'problem-solving' mentality. He is a highly respected corporate lawyer in the Irish market. "
Brian Dillon
"He has a very good understanding of our business and is able to apply his knowledge of dealing with the regulator to the situations we encounter."
Jamie Ensor
"Very responsive, thorough and technically excellent. Practical advice supported by the appropriate reference to legislation."
"He is proactive, practical, commercial and responsive."
"Extremely knowledgeable on insolvency appointments. Very reassuring and you know you are in safe hands. "
"Commercial, good to deal with."
"An acknowledged expert in the area; knowledgeable and responsive; hands-on."
"Good knowledge and collegiality."
Clare Lacey
"Highly knowledgeable and provides good advice across property."
Lorcan Tiernan
"He is very competent, diligent and pragmatic. He is extremely responsive and innovative. He approaches transactions in a pragmatic, problem-solving fashion. "
"Very intelligent, commercially astute and innovative. He approaches transactions with a 'can do', problem-solving attitude. He is a highly respected corporate lawyer in the Irish market. "
Keith Waine
"Very knowledgeable and understanding of our business needs. "
"He is a pleasure to do business with. He is very responsive, knows the regulatory side of the business very well, and communicates in a very open, frank and honest manner. "
"Great service. "
"Very responsive, excellent knowledge and expertise, thorough research of the subject matter with good solutions."
