Belfast law firm Carson McDowell has said it expects an increase in M&A activity over the last year to continue.

It made the remarks after announcing it had advised Abbey Insurance Brokers on its completed acquisition of the Open + Direct business from Swinton Group Ltd.

A team at the commercial law firm advised Northern Ireland’s largest locally-owned insurance broker on the acquisition, which it said would lend “further strength” to the business.

Dawn McKnight, partner in the corporate/commercial teams at Carson McDowell, helped advise the firm in the deal.

Ms McKnight said: “It really is great to see such quality businesses being managed and owned locally.

“There has been an increase in M&A activity in the last year and we anticipate that more deals of this nature will complete in the coming months.

“The devolution of corporation tax powers are bound to bring more M&A to the market as the potential of a lower rate than the UK adds to the attractiveness of the region.”