McCann FitzGerald advises Coillte on landmark JV to deliver €1.5bn renewable energy project

McCann FitzGerald LLP has advised Coillte on its formal agreement with ESB for the creation of a 50:50 joint venture focused on developing a pipeline of renewable energy facilities in Ireland.

The joint venture is called FuturEnergy and its ambition is to deliver one gigawatt of renewable energy by 2030, mainly from onshore wind.

The law firm advised semi-state-owned Coillte, Ireland’s largest landowner, on all regulatory aspects (including competition law and procurement), legal structure and on all corporate and commercial transaction documentation.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) approved the transaction in February and ministerial consents were obtained in late November, allowing the transaction to formally complete yesterday.

Walkers advises on establishment of Eagle Street Partners

Walkers has advised Postbridge Group on the establishment and initial funding of Eagle Street Partners, a pan-European real estate investment platform focused on Ireland, the UK and other select European markets.

Lawyers from the firm’s Jersey and Dublin offices were involved in the transaction, with partner Jonathan Sheehan advising on the Irish law elements of the platform establishment.

Partner Jonathan Heaney and group partner Jon Le Rossignol advised on the Jersey law elements of the corporate structuring, the first acquisition and the financing respectively, acting alongside lead counsel Kirkland & Ellis (platform establishment) and Ashurst (acquisition).

Mr Heaney said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with the founders, including Justin Bickle, of Eagle Street Partners.

“This platform is a significant statement both for the continued confidence in investment in higher yielding and value accretive real estate assets and for structuring those investments offshore.

“Walkers has significant experience in advising on all Jersey law aspects of commercial real estate mandates. In this case we were also able to provide Irish law support, a key differentiator among most of our competitors, to deliver a seamless cross-jurisdictional service to the founders.”

Justin Bickle, founder of Eagle Street Partners, said: “It was fantastic to work with Jonathan Heaney and his Jersey-based colleagues on the establishing of our new real estate investment and asset management business, and to extend my 15 years relationship with Walkers which had previously focused on Cayman Islands and Ireland.

“Walkers provide a premier offshore service to sophisticated clients around the globe and we are honoured to work with them in creating such an innovative investment platform at an opportune time in the real estate market.”

Holmes advises BHSL on acquisition of Glan Agua

Holmes has advised Limerick-based agri-tech company BHSL on its acquisition of waste solutions company Glan Agua.

Galway-based Glan Agua provides water treatment solutions to leading water utilities in both the UK and Ireland.

The company has also developed a patented system called fluidised bed combustion to convert waste into energy.

George Kennedy, corporate partner at Holmes, led a team advising BHSL on legal aspects of the transaction.

John McKenna, CEO of BHSL, said: “We were delighted with the legal advice that George and the team at Holmes provided us on this exciting deal.

“Their strong legal expertise and balanced commercial approach guided us through to completion of this transaction. They were constantly available and always offered us sound practical advice.

“We look forward to working with the Holmes team on future transactions.”

Flynn O’Driscoll advises Affidea Group on acquisition of Hillsborough Private Clinic

Flynn O’Driscoll Business Lawyers has advised European healthcare company Affidea Group on its acquisition of Hillsborough Private Clinic in Northern Ireland.

Affidea is the largest European provider of diagnostic imaging, outpatient and cancer care services. Hillsborough Private Clinic is a healthcare provider offering a range of outpatient services and advanced surgical procedures.

The transaction represents Affidea’s second acquisition in Northern Ireland in 2021 and places Affidea Ireland as one of the largest providers of outpatient services in Northern Ireland.

Flynn O’Driscoll partner Cian O’Leary led a team advising on the legal side in Ireland, supported by solicitor John Kelly and the firm’s founder John Kelly.

Hayes solicitors advises Primark on Irish expansion

Hayes solicitors has advised Primark in relation to its current expansion throughout Ireland.

The retailer recently announced a €250 million capital investment into Ireland, alongside the creation of 700 retail and administration jobs.

The property team at Hayes solicitors, Jackie Buckley, advised Primark in relation to the planned expansion.

The firm said: “We wish Primark all the best in their new and expanded locations.”