David Widger
Partner, Corporate and M&A
Dublin
David Widger is Head of the Firm's Corporate and M&A practice. His key areas of expertise include M&A, corporate finance, corporate governance, private equity, joint ventures, venture capital, corporate restructurings, capital markets, securities law and commercial contractual arrangements. David's practice involves advising a wide range of Irish and international public and private corporations, financial institutions, insurance companies, private equity and venture capital funds on all legal aspects of their corporate affairs.
Areas of Expertise
Corporate and M&A/Private Equity & Venture Capital/Life Sciences/Capital Markets – Equity/Privacy & Data Security/Commercial Contracts/Commercial & Technology/Corporate Governance & Compliance/Food, Drink & Agri
Experience Advising:
- Euronext on its acquisition of the Irish Stock Exchange.
- Glenveagh Properties plc on its €550m IPO on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges.
- Sumitomo Corporation on its €751m recommended takeover offer for Fyffes plc (Finance Dublin Public M&A Deal of the Year 2017).
- Verizon Communications on its public takeover of Fleetmatics Group plc for $2.4bn (European Corporate Deal of the Year - The Lawyer 2017).
- Heaven Hill Brands on its US$165m acquisition of Carolans and Irish Mist brands from Campari.
- UDG on the €407m sale of its pharmaceutical distribution businesses to global pharmaceutical wholesaler McKesson.
- Pfizer on its proposed $160bn merger with Allergan.
- Citibank on the Crossborder merger of Citibank International and Citibank Europe.
- Towers Watson on its $18bn merger with Willis Group.
- Telefónica on its sale of Telefónica O2 Ireland to Hutchison Whampoa Group.
- IBM on its acquisition of The Now Factory.
Market Recommendations
"Excellent corporate lawyer...he is strong, experienced and responsive." (Chambers Global 2018)
"Lauded by clients for his pragmatism, commercial acumen, creative thinking and great way with people." (Chambers Global 2017)
"Excellent business acumen" (Legal 500, ranked a leading individual and a Hall of Fame member)
"an excellent lawyer and in particular is very good at cutting through the legal issues to the commercial elements...he gets a very good balance between ensuring the legalities are correct but also making sure you get a deal done." (IFLR1000)
Professional activities
David sits on the Advisory Board of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and contributes to many publications such as the Irish chapter of The Private Equity Review.
Education
- Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland
- BCL, University College Dublin
David Widger
Partner, Corporate and M&A
Dublin