McCann FitzGerald LLP

Ireland

IFLR1000 Reviews

Financial and corporate

The origins of McCann FitzGerald date back to 1947 in Dublin, but the firm has expanded internationally and now also has branches in Brussels, London and New York from which it advises on Irish law.  

 

Highlights 

 

 

The firm provides high-quality legal advice across a range of practice areas on the Irish market, with key strengths in asset and structured finance, M&A and projects.   

In the M&A Irish market, the firm acted as legal adviser for Kerry Co – Operative Creameries in its 500 million Euro acquisition of Kerry Dairy Ireland. The large scale spin off  involves the Co – Ip acquiring an initial 70% stake in Kerry Dairy Ireland and the option to purchase the remaining 30% later. The sale grants Co – Op the ability to expand its brand globally.  

In capital markets debt, a novel highlight includes the firms advise to BASF Ireland DAC for its debut ‘Panda’ bond issuance. The firm advised on Irish law matters in connection to the RMB 2 billion three year Panda Bond. This was the first Panda Bond issued by an Irish issuer.  

 

Testimonials 2025

 

“The wide range of legal expertise's they offer over numerous departments and the knowledge they have about the industry we work in. The high standard of their work and their staff's wiliness to always help and answer calls and questions.” - Banking lending  

“Consistently deliver quality advice to the highest standard, high level of partner involvement, commercial approach and value for money” - Bank lending  

“The advice and support are of high quality and the team offer top class capabilities. The team collaborates effectively and advises on complex issues quickly” - Banking  

“The team are excellent and very responsive, considering they have other clients. We rely on their advice with confidence. Our queries are very broad-ranging but they are equipped to answer all such questions. They have a very personable manner of interaction.” - Banking and finance 

“Their people. top lawyers. get deals done. commercial outlook. deliver their clients' objectives” - Banking and finance 

“Dedication, knowledge, and business mindset” - Investment funds 

“The team that we work with at McCann Fitzgerald are very knowledgeable and are willing to work to tight timelines to ensure we can meet client expectations. They are also very responsive on all queries and make themselves available for calls, oftentimes at short notice.” - Investment funds 

“Ben Gaffikin and his team from McCann FitzGerald are professional in their dealings with us and with the relevant counterpart, commercially focused and provide timely, concise and comprehensible advice. They leverage their extensive experience in providing solutions.” - M&A 

“The team were on top of their game, extremely committed to the transaction, there were a number of complex issues that the target was not up front about and they worked through them and negotiated a successful outcome.” - M&A 

“Breadth of knowledge and experience, practical advice and availability” - M&A 

Clear, plain English advice, providing pros and cons for potential options.” - Project development Infrastructure

“Their individuals are specialised in the different areas that we require e.g. property, construction, conveyancing and therefore we are confident that they represent our best interests.” - Project development

“McCann FitzGerald are a high quality full service law firm, that have expertise across the board, which means they can cater to all our needs in-house without any drop in quality. Their lawyers are highly informed on the latest industry practices, and are pragmatic when working on transactions. They are personally down to earth and easy to work with.” - Project finance 

"Very professional & patient, kept the deal on track and dealt with unexpected issues as they arose." - Garreth O'Brien 

"He has a deep knowledge of the funds sector and an impressive ability to tackle challenges with ease and provide customised solutions. He really understood our commercial requirements and know how to craft smart, practical solutions. He is very good with clients, easy to get along with, but also very responsive and knowledgeable." - Iain Ferguson 

"Jamie has a great way helping you understanding construction documents in a non legal way. His approach and knowledge of the construction industry is fantastic." - Jamie McGee

"No question Jack can't answer! Very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience in M&A but also gives very practical advice. Very responsive (like the rest of the team) and a pleasure to work with." - Jack Kelly 

"Rachel provided efficient legal support and advice in relation to a recent debt programme update. Her commitment to guiding the transaction to successful completion was unwavering and we had a direct line of communication with her at all times. Her responsiveness and attention to detail was an asset to the transaction." - Rachael Cosgrove 

Key clients 

Among its clients in finance work are AerCap Holdings, Genesis Aviation Services, Nordic Aviation Capital, Scandinavian Airlines, SMBC Aviation Capital, Allied Irish Bank, The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland, Deutsche Bank, Marlet Property Group and Bain Capital. 

Among its clients in capital markets are Allied Irish Banks, Electricity Supply Board, Kingspan Group, Andorra Banc Agricol Reig, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Ireland, Investcorp, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, Avenue Europe Management, Greencoat Renewables and Kenmare Resources. 

In financial services regulatory key clients include Allied Irish Bank, MetLife Group, Irish Life, Great West Life Co, Close Brothers and Irish league of Credit Unions. 

Among its investment funds clients are Brookfield Asset Management, UBS, Julius Baer, Willis Towers Watson and Irish Life (part of WestCo) 

Among its clients in M&A are Allied Irish Banks, WestRock, ESB, Vodafone Ireland and Cordiant Digital Infrastructure 

Among its clients in project development are Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, Housing Infrastructure Services Designated Activity Company, Bord na Móna/ESB (Joint Venture) and FuturEnergy Ireland. 

Among its clients in restructuring and insolvency are Central Bank of Ireland, Bank of Ireland, EY, KPMG and Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, London Branch.