Matheson Ormsby Prentice has ‘excellent industry knowledge’ and strength in depth.
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2012
Our Banking and Financial Services Department advises all the major domestic financial institutions and many of the world's leading international banks, securities and derivatives trading houses, broker dealers, investment managers, investment funds, insurance companies and other financial services firms operating in Ireland.
We are actively involved in, and hold representative positions on, numerous trade bodies and industry organisations and have been instrumental in proposing and drafting many changes to financial services legislation.
We are consistently ranked as one of the leading banking and financial services law firms in Ireland. Matheson Ormsby Prentice was the first Irish law firm to be awarded European Law Firm of the Year by The Hedge Fund Journal, which celebrates the leading service providers to the European hedge fund industry.
Matheson Ormsby Prentice’s banking team is seen as a “market leader in Ireland”, particularly in structured and asset finance.
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2011
"An excellent firm, I understand entirely why they are in tier one," says one peer. The practice is one of the leaders in the banking sector and is widely respected and key player in the market.
Banking: IFLR 1000 2011
Clients equally praise the firm; one says: "MOP has excellent people there that are good to deal with and very experienced."
Banking: IFLR 1000 2011
Matheson Ormsby Prentice’s extensive banking and finance practice continues to grow, in spite of the credit crunch. It has been able to utilise its broad expertise to handle work arising out of the changes taking place in the market; for example, the team recently advised Allied Irish Banks on the establishment of the first programme for the issuance of state-guaranteed debt securities. A strong surge in restructuring and asset finance, particularly in the aviation sector, has served to offset a downturn in leveraged finance and other aspects of the business. Project finance has been a consistently strong component of the practice, where highlights include advising the Macquarie Partnerships for Ireland Consortium on the EUR80 million Schools Bundle 1 PPP project. In addition to traditional banking transactional and advisory work, the team also has specialist expertise in structured finance and derivatives.
Sources Say: “One of the leading players in the aviation finance sector.” “It gets the deal done.”
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2010
Matheson Ormsby Prentice’s structured finance practice is its pride and glory on the banking side, and even with fewer deals around the firm has managed to garner some weighty mandates. Advising Allied Irish Banks on the establishment of the first programme for its issuance of state guaranteed debt securities stands out for complexity. William Prentice heads a team that comprises "true experts in both industry knowledge and awareness of market trends", with Patrick Molloy, Niall Horgan and Libby Garvey particularly praised. Asset finance and aviation are also strong areas and other notable clients include Citibank Europe, HSBC and WestLB.
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2010
Commentators laud this team as “practical, pragmatic, succinct and commercial in its outlook.” The group works on a wide range of banking matters, but observers highlight structured finance as its forte; as the credit crunch takes effect, this has increasingly involved restructurings and private placements. The team is also strong in securitisation and asset finance, and the department’s international capacity is key to its strong showing in aviation financing; it is also attracting an increasing number of clients looking to buy assets abroad. Sources were keen to praise the service on offer here, and especially appreciate that the lawyers “structure their advice clearly, with simple explanations of legal issues.”
Banking and Finance: Chambers Europe 2009
William Prentice leads a team that is "commercial in approach" but that also "looks to find solutions that work for the business without exposing it to undue legal risk". The firm’s strength in structured finance is considered "second to none".
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2009
Commentators laud this team as “practical, pragmatic, succinct and commercial in its outlook.” The group works on a wide range of banking matters, but observers highlight structured finance as its forte; as the credit crunch takes effect, this has increasingly involved restructurings and private placements. The team is also strong in securitisation and asset finance, and the department’s international capacity is key to its strong showing in aviation financing; it is also attracting an increasing number of clients looking to buy assets abroad. Sources were keen to praise the service on offer here, and especially appreciate that the lawyers “structure their advice clearly, with simple explanations of legal issues.” William Prentice remains “one of the top banking lawyers in Ireland.” His vast expertise on structured finance and securitisation makes him “a fantastic reference point on the law – nothing fazes him and he has a good way of doing things in a quiet, understated manner.” Niall Horgan focuses on domestic banking work in acquisition and property finance, and also manages cross-border transactions where necessary. He has been involved in a number of German property deals of late. Clients laud his “fantastic advice on how to structure facilities and protect your interests. He takes great trouble to understand the commercial needs of a deal, and is quite proactive in introducing other connections that might help your business.” Patrick Molloy handles a mix of structured finance and banking work, and has recently been focusing on refinancing matters and project finance, especially on the infrastructural side. Interviewees highlight that he is “not limited to one particular section of banking – you couldn’t ask for a better all-round partner.” Chris Quinn heads up the asset finance team and is central to the firm’s renowned aircraft and shipping finance practice, while Libby Garvey advises on property financings, acquisition financings and restructurings.
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2009
William Prentice is an excellent operator on the domestic market and works to a very high standard.
Banking: IFLR1000 2009
Matheson Ormsby Prentice’s banking and finance department is led by the very well respected William Prentice, who is repeatedly mentioned by clients and is described by peers as “one of the leading finance lawyers in Ireland”.
Banking: IFLR1000 2008
This “proactive team offers exceptionally good service.” According to one client: “The lawyers display a strong commercial awareness in all aspects of their dealings and are very good at making sure things close.” The firm advises domestic and international clients on the full gamut of banking and finance work, and has particular strength in structured finance and securitisations, where the back-up of the firm’s formidable tax practice is seen as a major bonus. The firm also handles a significant amount of aircraft financing.
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2008
Offering “a quality service for competitive fees,” this firm has an international reputation for debt capital markets work, with particular strength in the CDO sector. Backed up by a formidable tax practice and strong banking and corporate teams, the outfit handles debt capital markets, securitisation and structured finance with a strong international flavour, bolstered by offices in London, New York and Palo Alto. “This would be my first port of call - I've never had a legal question the lawyers could not answer,” said one impressed client.
Capital Markets: Chambers Global 2008
The number of banking and finance partners at Matheson Ormsby Prentice increased to eight following the recent arrival of Niall Horgan from Ashurst. The firm fields dedicated groups who have expertise in areas such as asset finance, structured finance, property finance, leveraged and acquisition finance. Anne-Marie Bohan provides specific IT and outsourcing advice within the group… From a wealth of talent, William Prentice and Michael Jackson are praised 'for getting to the heart of a problem quickly.'
Banking and Finance: European Legal 500 2007
“Sharp, up-to-date, competitive and well connected,” this firm is seen to have built on the strengths of its formidable tax practice to create an impressive banking and finance department. Structured finance remains a particular area of strength, with the team singled out for its cross-border SPV work. The team of 52 fee earners, including 14 partners, also boasts strength in asset finance, property finance, project finance and general banking, with securitisation and CDO work another thriving area. Like many of the other major Irish firms, the team handles an increasing amount of work that is international in scope, and was particularly praised for its ability to handle multi-jurisdictional work. The firm also has a strong funds practice. Clients see the team as “completely user-friendly and hot on the relevant points.”
Banking and Finance: Chambers Global 2007
"Beefing up their team and developing their practice", Matheson Ormsby Prentice comes highly recommended by rival practitioners and clients alike. Bagging roles on a slew of complex mandates, the practice boasts an impressive register of some of Ireland's leading corporate finance lawyers.
Banking and Capital Markets: IFLR1000 2007
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