The firm plans to grow its headcount from 50 by a further 20 per cent over the course of the year, largely thanks to increased deals activity in Northern Ireland.

Recent transactions for its corporate and commercial team included acting for Cookstown Cement Ltd in its acquisition of Lafarge Cement Ireland, which completed in January 2022.

Damian McParland, director and head of corporate/commercial at MMW, said: “2021 was, despite all the external challenges, a record year for our firm, with MMW advising on M&A transactions with an aggregate value of over £350 million, representing a significant share of the market.

“The sheer volume, value and significance of the M&A and other corporate work in which we are involved was extremely encouraging – not only reflecting the strength of our growing team and their expertise, but also the tenacity and ambition of Northern Ireland’s business sector.”

The firm’s highlights of 2021 included acting for local e-learning business Learning Pool and its management team in one of the largest ever US investments in a Northern Ireland business, which saw US private equity firm Marlin Equity Partners buy out Carlyle Cardinal Ireland (CCI).

Other transactions included the sale of JB Plant Hire to Briggs Equipment and the acquisition of Greenan Generation Limited by Energy Acquisitions Group. In addition, the firm’s involvement in equity investments, primarily in the technology sector, remained strong.

Mr McParland added: “We set out a strategic growth plan in early 2021 which coincided with the launch of our refreshed brand. This was essentially the firm marking the start of a focused new chapter that is very much future-focused, driven by ambitious targets and delivered by an extremely talented group of people.

“We are proud to work with a wide range of exceptional organisations and business people who share our determination – our success is thanks to their trust, combined with the hard work and skill of our people.”