PHILIP O’CONNOR

ACTIVITY 2021 was a busy year for the firm. We saw a significant increase in M&A transactions, with shorter than usual timelines to completion. Property transactions also remain buoyant, but seem to be taking longer to complete, with more detailed due diligence being undertaken by purchasers. The firm is actively recruiting additional solicitors and legal executives to service the increased demand across all of our services. Given the active labour market, it is not straightforward to locate and recruit the right people.

PANDEMIC FALLOUT The fundamental changes brought about by the pandemic have resulted in increased demand for legal advice regarding company reorganisations; structuring investment opportunities by companies who are cash rich; acquisitions and company disposals; as well as dispute resolution and succession planning.

M&A We would expect M&A activity to remain buoyant through 2022. In a negative interest rate environment, it makes sense for cash-rich investors to make their cash work.

It remains to be seen what impact the war in Ukraine and the wider macroeconomic issues will have on corporate activity in Ireland.

OUTLOOK I do not see that 2022 will be much different from 2021 in terms of trading outlook. Looking beyond that timeline, much will depend on the consequences for the Irish economy of the fallout of the war in Ukraine, general inflationary pressures and other macroeconomic factors.