Global law firm Squire Patton Boggs will open an office in Dublin this week – its 15th location in Europe – complementing the firm's international platform of over 40 offices worldwide.
M&A lawyer George Kennedy will be joining as a partner. He started his career with A&L Goodbody before partner roles with Holmes O'Malley Sexton and, more recently, Philip Lee.
He specialises in M&A, particularly in connection with private equity, acting for funds, portfolio companies, sellers, and management teams. He also acts for private investors and trade buyers and sellers, with experience across a broad range of industry sectors, from engineering, IT and renewables to insurance, healthcare and sport.
Kennedy acted for Irish private-equity firm Renatus on the acquisition of its stake in Tipperary Crystal.
Ohio origins
Squire Patton Boggs was founded in Ohio in 1890. It has 16 offices across the US, as well as a strong Latin American practice.
The firm has four offices in Britain – London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester – and a strong regulatory practice in Washington DC.
"Our Irish clients have been pushing us to open a Dublin office, because the city is now a post-Brexit hub," said a spokesperson.
"It's the logical next step, to enter a market where our clients need support," he added.
In the Dublin office, the firm plans to build on a strong existing private pan-European equity practice.
It's understood the growth trajectory will see a staff of 50 within three to five years. Currently, there are four staff – founding Irish managing partner Denis Agnew, George Kennedy, a senior associate, and an office administrator.
The firm's move to Ireland is being supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
Transactions team
"I am excited to once again work with George as we build out our team in Ireland," said Agnew, who formerly led the transactions team at Pinsent Masons Ireland.
"George brings extensive M&A and private-equity experience to our practice, with deep connections within the corporate-finance and investor community across Ireland. He is an energetic and dynamic practitioner, whose arrival will be an important step in our ability to attract cross-border and Irish M&A mandates," he stated.
"Our private-equity practice in the UK and Europe continues to flourish, which has presented a significant level of referral opportunities from corporates and other entities seeking to invest in Ireland," said Jonathan Jones, Squire Patton Boggs' EMEA managing partner.
"Launching in Ireland, one of the world's fastest growing economies, is another important milestone in our global expansion, and reaffirms our commitment to providing clients with premium counsel wherever they do business," said Squire Patton Boggs' chair and global chief executive Mark Ruehlmann.
Post-Brexit
"In a post-Brexit world, Ireland continues to emerge as an important centre for business activity, spanning several key areas of our global practice – including private equity, tech and life sciences.
"Our Dublin office will open up new opportunities for our firm, and benefit clients who are already doing business and planning investments in Ireland," said Steve Mahon (global managing partner, clients and strategy).
Additional talent
Denis Agnew will lead the firm's efforts to recruit additional talent. He advises international and Irish companies on cross-border mergers and acquisitions across a variety of sectors.
Squire's extensive international practice, particularly across the US, and tight-knit culture present a great opportunity to add a fully integrated, cross-jurisdictional Irish practice into a global firm, he said.