Eithne FitzGerald is Head of Corporate Finance and a Partner in the Firm’s Corporate Department practising in corporate finance, M&A, public takeovers, flotations, equity capital markets, private equity, venture capital, MBOs, insurance and general corporate law. She advises leading Irish and international public and private companies and corporate governance on the legal aspects of their corporate affairs.
Eithne also has particular expertise in the insurance sector, advising on all aspects of non-contentious and regulatory matters relating to insurers. Significant transactions include advising:
- AIB plc on its acquisition of the €9bn deposit book in Ireland and the UK of Anglo Irish Bank and its Isle of Man subsidiary (awarded 2011 Innovative Deal of the Year - Finance Magazine);
- Aviva on the establishment of Aviva Europe SE and its European holding company structure and cross border mergers;
- XL Group on its redomestication to Ireland, and the creation of a new Irish public limited company, XL Group plc listed on the New York Stock Exchange;
- Atlantic Bridge II Limited Partnership on the fundraising and establishment of its €120m European Mid Market Technology Fund;
- Davy as Sponsor to Independent News & Media on its debt to equity bond restructuring and rights issue;
- Britvic on its €249.2m acquisition of the soft drinks and distribution businesses of C&C Group;
- Hibernian/Aviva plc on its €1.3bn bancassurance life and pensions joint venture with AIB and the acquisition of Ark Life;
- BUPA on the sale of BUPA Ireland to Quinn Group;
- AIB plc on its merchant acquiring joint venture with First Data Corporation;
- Standard Life on its de-mutualisation and Stg£4.9bn flotation;
- Lifestyle Sports on its disposal to Stafford Holdings;
- Heiton Group on a €353m recommended takeover bid by Grafton Group;
- BUPA on the disposal of its 56% interest in Blackrock Hospital;
- Campbell Bewley on the sale of Campbell Catering to ARAMARK and several recent investments by private equity providers;
- On the IPO of D'Amico International Shipping.
Eithne managed the firms London office between 1992 and 1995. She is recommended as an expert in a number of leading publications including IFLR1000, The Legal 500, Chambers Global, Who's Who Legal, European Legal Experts and PLC Which Lawyer?
- "Highly recommended" (Legal 500 2011)
- A "leading" M&A Lawyer (IFLR1000 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012);
- Listed as a leading lawyer for Corporate (Best Lawyers 2010);
- Ranked as a Tier 1 lawyer for Corporate and M&A and Capital Markets (Chambers Global 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011);
- Recommended in the area of Mergers and Acquisitions (Who's Who Legal 2010);
- Recommended in the areas of Corporate/M&A and Private Equity/Venture Capital (PLC Which Lawyer? 2009, 2010 and 2011).
Comments include:
"Eithne brings a huge amount of experience, there's very little that she hasn't seen. She is very focussed on the legal issues...she is a deal maker and she is very, very strong technically." (IFLR1000 2012)
"A key practitioner in the market with an impressive level of experience." (Chambers Global 2011)
"One of the most experienced lawyers in the field." (Chambers Global 2011)
"Undoubtedly a top-tier lawyer." (Chambers Global 2010)
“Eithne is spot on and knows her stuff.” (IFLR1000 2010)
"Eitnne FitzGerald is absolutely at the top of her field.” (Chambers Global 2009)
"Eithne FitzGerald leads from the front on top line issues." (Legal 500 2008)
"Eithne FitzGerald is a straightforward lawyer who runs a tight ship. She handles her team very well in her inimitable style and always delivers." (Chambers Global 2008)
On the equity side "Eithne transfers her ample corporate expertise to equity capital markets matters very well." (Chambers Global 2009)
Eithne is the author of the Irish section of "A Practitioner’s Guide to Takeover and Mergers in the EU", regularly writes on legal topics and has spoken at numerous conferences.