Simmons & Simmons upbeat on M&A despite challenges

Simmons & Simmons upbeat on M&A despite challenges

David Brangam

International law firm Simmons & Simmons has celebrated a strong year of Irish M&A deals after advising on some of the highest-profile transactions of the year.

The firm this year advised on Waystone’s acquisition of Link Finance, TMF Group’s acquisition of Goodbody Asset Management, DC Advisory’s acquisition of IBI Corporate Finance and Close Brothers’ acquisition of Bluestone Group.

David Brangam, partner and head of corporate at Simmons & Simmons in Dublin,said: “The deals that we led on in 2023 reflect our true sectoral expertise across and within our global offering.

“This is perfectly illustrated by the cross-border, regulated deals that we advised on in our core sectors of asset management and funds, financial services, healthcare and life sciences and TMT.”

He added: “M&A volumes in Ireland, as elsewhere, have been trending downwards throughout 2023 and whilst deals are still being done, a greater proportion are falling over. Deals that are getting done are more complex, more heavily regulated and are taking longer.

“Whilst these trends are likely to persist into 2024, healthcare and life sciences along with TMT are likely to be amongst the most active sectors in Ireland for M&A next year.”

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