landscape in Northern Ireland has witnessed a number of changes recently , particularly in how deals are being structured .
With more and more transactions being driven by private equity funds , international trends are becoming increasingly relevant to the local marketplace .
With further offices in Dublin , London , New York and Silicon Valley , Arthur Cox remains one of the only Belfast firms with a truly international presence .
GLOBAL RESOURCES
These global resources provide the team with significant exposure to ongoing developments in the structure and formation of major corporate deals in the US . These insights are being leveraged for the benefit of local clients .
Lynsey ’ s analysis of the changing landscape is clear : “ Our global reach makes Arthur Cox a natural adviser to the largest multinational and indigenous companies operating here , as well as SMEs , Government and public sector bodies .
“ That global reach is giving us unrivalled access to the most recent changes to how deals are being progressed on the international stage , meaning we are ahead of the curve in terms of the advice we can offer clients on both the buying and selling sides of transactions .
“ For example , we have seen a growing trend in recent years for more ‘ key man retentions ’, with more and more buyers now expecting the sellers of a company to remain heavily involved in the management of the company going forward .
“ Traditionally , there would have been a clean break on the seller ’ s side , particularly so with family businesses here in Northern Ireland , and sometimes a consultancy
arrangement would have been put in place for a short period , but that ’ s no longer always the case .”
The main reason for this , as Lynsey explained , is that a lot of deals are now facilitated by private equity funds :
“ These funds require the sellers to remain involved for as much as up to five years postcompletion in some cases . This is particularly true in Northern Ireland due to the importance of personal relationships to business success .
“ Warranty and Indemnity Insurance has also become a lot more prevalent recently and , by being on the front foot in terms of the culture of the international marketplace , we can advise clients on what issues may arise before they arrive and more importantly how they can deal with them in a way that maintains a good working relationship between the parties .
“ Indeed , there have been instances recently where businesses have approached us , having been advised by their longterm advisers that a deal was not possible or having hit a stumbling block in the negotiations , and we have worked with them to address those issues and seen it through to completion .”
FIRSTCLASS REPUTATION Celebrating a decade with Arthur Cox in 2017 – having joined the firm from a national practice in England – Lynsey is the embodiment of the firm ’ s promise that , with Arthur Cox , you can always expect excellence .
She realises the hugely positive impact the firm has had on the legal industry in Northern Ireland , and the local economy in general . Arthur Cox now employs over 90 people at its city centre offices and is strongly committed to the local marketplace .
“ Our firstclass reputation in the market is built on our service delivery ethos of proactivity and partnership ,” Lynsey added .
“ At Arthur Cox , we make it our mission to understand our clients ’ needs , develop a close relationship and make ourselves entirely familiar with all relevant aspects of their business .
“ This approach applies not just to working closely with clients , but also to the partnerships we form with leading business bodies such as the Institute of Directors . Better directors will create better businesses and therefore a better economy – and we are strongly committed to our role in achieving these .
“ Looking ahead , it ’ s impossible to ignore the pending readjustments that Brexit will herald , but the early impressions we are getting from clients illustrate a determination to carry on with ‘ business as usual ’. At Arthur Cox , we are identifying the opportunities for clients , while always being cognisant of potential challenges .
“ Our highlytalented , technicallyastute and dedicated team of lawyers will continue to deliver firstclass service levels that ensure our major corporate , Government and SME clients receive expert legal advice which is informed by the latest global developments .”
MOREINFORMATION
The Corporate and Commercial team at Arthur Cox is well positioned to advise on all aspects of corporate and commercial law . Call 028 9023 0007 for further information from Lynsey or your regular Arthur Cox contact .
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