Arthur Cox advises Brookfield on €1.1bn acquisition of Hibernia REIT

Arthur Cox has partnered with Kirkland & Ellis LLP to advise Brookfield Asset Management on the completion of its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Hibernia REIT plc for €1.089 billion.

Brookfield is one of the world’s largest investors in real estate with $256 billion in assets under management, while Hibernia is the largest landlord in Ireland.

The Arthur Cox team advising on the transaction was led by Connor Manning, Cian McCourt and Sarah McDermott in the corporate and M&A team.

The firm’s team also comprised Ellen Gaffney and Sinéad McDonagh in the corporate and M&A team; Deirdre Sheehan, Deirdre Barrett and Sarah O’Mahony in real estate; and David Molloy, Ben Rayner and Jennifer White in finance.

Fieldfisher advises Sazerac Company on acquisition of Lough Gill Distillery

Fieldfisher Ireland LLP has advised the Sazerac Company on its acquisition of Hazelwood Demesne Limited, owner of the Lough Gill Distillery in Sligo.

The Sazerac Company is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies with premium brands such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Paddy Irish Whiskey, Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, and Southern Comfort.

Under the terms of the deal, Sazerac will fully develop the 100+ acre site, the original demesne of Hazelwood House, to create a world-class whiskey facility and visitor attraction.

Feilim O’Caoimh, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Fieldfisher, spearheaded the deal alongside Conor Folan, senior associate in the firm’s corporate team.

Mr O’Caoimh said: “Fieldfisher Ireland is proud to have used its expertise of the Irish legal and business landscape to assist the Sazerac Company on a very successful acquisition. We look forward to continuing to assist the Sazerac Company as it significantly grows the footprint of Lough Gill Distillery over the coming years.”

He added: “This deal marks an exciting time for the Irish whiskey industry, and the drinks industry more broadly.”

Philip Lee advises Webio on $4m Series A funding round

Philip Lee has advised messaging specialist Webio on its raising of $4 million in a Series A funding round.

Founded in 2016, Webio assists clients in the financial services, insurance and other sectors to communicate with their customers on sensitive subjects such as credit, collections and payments. The company plans to double it’s headcount with this investment in the next six months.

Finch Capital, which led a €1.5 million pre-Series A funding round in Webio a year ago, returned to lead the financing for the company.

The Philip Lee team acting on the deal was led by Eoghan Doyle and Andrew Tzialli, together with Hugo Grattirola and Patrick Egan.

RDJ advising Bon Secours on €150m development of new Limerick hospital

RDJ is advising Bon Secours Health System (BSHS) on its development of the Mid-West region’s first large-scale private hospital.

The project has reached a key milestone with the granting of planning permission by Limerick City and County Council for the project at Ballysimon on Limerick’s east side.

Having passed this critical juncture, BSHS - the country’s largest private hospital operator - will now proceed with immediate effect to detail design stage, with tendering for a construction partner to commence shortly and work on the site in January of next year.

Built to the highest technical, accessibility and sustainability standards, the two-year build programme will see the 150 inpatient and day-bed landmark facility just 600m from Junction 29 on the M7 motorway open in January 2025.

The €150 million facility at the seven acre site will be a significant economic boost for the Mid-West region, employing upwards of 500 people.

RDJ construction and procurement partner Finola McCarthy is leading the RDJ team advising on the project.

ByrneWallace advises on sale of Co Kildare housing development

ByrneWallace LLP has acted for Stennock Limited as developer and Montane Developments as builder in the sale of 96 new cost rental apartments at the Paddocks, Newbridge, Co Kildare to Clúid Housing.

Under the government’s cost rental scheme, rents are targeted at a minimum of 25 per cent below open market value and residents will also be provided with long-term security of tenure.

The ByrneWallace LLP team who advised on this transaction included property partner Neil Dunne, solicitor Aoife Coughlan and partner and construction head Martin Cooney.