Belfast firm Carson McDowell advised on nine major transactions worth £35 million in the first quarter of the year, the highest total value of any local law firm.

The figures are included in the latest Experian Deal Review and Advisor League Table, published today.

Michael Johnston, managing partner of Carson McDowell, said: “We have enjoyed a very successful start to 2016 as M&A activity remains buoyant in the local market.

“Our solicitors have taken the lead on several landmark deals in recent months, including advising the shareholders of Chain Reaction Cycles in its merger with Wiggle, and Abbey Insurance on all legal aspects of the purchase of Open + Direct.

“The Experian League Table recognises that Carson McDowell has advised on the highest value of transactions of any local firm in Northern Ireland this year. These deals provide further evidence that there is increasing interest from international companies and investors in the high quality companies that exist across a number of sectors in Northern Ireland.

“Locally owned companies are also demonstrating their own appetite for growth and we are experiencing a rise in the number exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions. The firm also advised on three transactions in the Republic of Ireland in the first quarter.

“The increase in M&A activity is across all sectors, from manufacturing to financial services and energy, and this is set to continue throughout 2016.”