Expertise
Brian is a partner in the Corporate M&A Group.
Brian has spent nearly twenty years advising international companies, in both the UK and Ireland, on corporate law matters including public and private company M&A, private equity transactions, equity fundraisings, reorganisations, joint ventures, refinancings and general commercial matters.
Having previously worked in a large international law firm in London, Brian has particular expertise in cross-border M&A and private equity. Brian has experience across a range of sectors acting for both buyers and sellers. Brian also counsels corporate clients on a broad range of governance and business-related matters, including directors' duties and responsibilities and general compliance matters.
Brian has recently advised on a significant number of the most valuable and high profile transactions undertaken in the Irish market, including:
- Advising Panelto Foods, a leading Irish producer of par-baked breads, and its shareholders on the sale of the business to the European Bakery Group, a pan-European bakery platform backed by European private equity fund, 3i.
- Advising Ricoh, the international manufacturer and distributor office equipment, on the acquisition of PFH Technology Group, the Ireland based IT infrastructure, implementation and management services company.
- Advising US private equity fund, Graham Partners on the acquisition of Taoglas, the Ireland based distributor of antennas, filters, cables, and connectors.
- Advising Linnaeus, the UK based provider of veterinary services on the acquisition of Village Vets, one of the largest operators of veterinary clinics in Ireland.
- Advising Waystone, a leading provider of institutional governance, risk and compliance services to the asset management industry on the acquisition of Centaur, global fund administration & fiduciary services provider.
- Advising Unmind, a UK-based platform for the mental health of employees, on the acquisition of Frankie Health, and Irish based healthcare solutions company providing wellbeing services for companies employees.
- Advising Bauer Media AB, the German multimedia conglomerate, on its acquisition of RedFM, one of Ireland’s leading regional radio stations.
- Advising Johnson Hanna, the Irish-based provider of legal services on its investment by AIB.
- Advising Felicis, a US-based private equity firm, on its investment in Tines Security, an Ireland-based provider of cybersecurity automation solutions.
- Advising Waystone, a leading provider of institutional governance, risk and compliance services, on its acquisition of KBA Consulting, a leading provider of financial management and consulting services to the asset management industry.
- Advising Waterland, the pan-European private equity fund, on its investment in MTM Engineering, the Irish headquartered cable installation company.
- Advising, DST Global, a US investment firm, on its investment in Wayflyer, a leading Irish headquartered software company engaged in the provision of revenue-based financing to e-commerce brands.
- Advising IQ-EQ, an international investor services group backed by European private equity fund, Astorg, on its acquisition of Davy Global Fund Management.
Alongside his private equity practice, Brian advises a range of domestic and international corporate clients on their corporate and transactional activity in Ireland.
Brian regularly contributes to industry journals and publications and most recently co-authored the Legal 500: International Comparative Guide to Private Equity 2023.
“Brian McCloskey’s team provided invaluable support on a challenging and time critical auction sale. Brian is responsive, a great communicator and a pleasure to work with. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him.”
The Legal 500 2022
Brian McCloskey is a well-regarded M&A lawyer.
Corporate/M&A: Chambers Global 2022
"Brian McCloskey was excellent, available at all times to provide advice, strong in negotiation and very good at managing the process and his team".
The Legal 500 2021
Brian McCloskey provides "sound commercial advice".
Chambers Europe 2021
Brian McCloskey is "extremely hard-working and responsive".
Chambers Europe 2021
Brian McCloskey is recommended.
European Legal 500 2020
Brian McCloskey is named a next generation partner.
European Legal 500 2020
Brian McCloskey has "excellent market knowledge and an effective negotiation style".
Chambers Global 2020
Clients describe Brian him as "super responsive" and praise his project management capabilities.
Chambers Global and Europe 2020
Brian McCloskey is named a ‘Rising Star’
IFLR1000 2020
Brian McCloskey is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2019
"Brian did an excellent job of navigating us through the basics of Irish M&A. His understanding of key deal terms, as well as his ability to win key negotiating points was very valuable to us."
Chambers Europe 2018
"Brian was very good at managing our expectations and helping us understand the landscape."
Chambers Europe 2018
Brian McCloskey is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2018
Brian McCloskey is named a Rising Star.
IFLR1000 2018
Brian McCloskey is named a next generation lawyer.
European Legal 500 2017
Law Society of Ireland, admitted as a solicitor
University College Dublin, BCL
University of Melbourne, Australia