Bernard, a senior partner, joined Philip Lee in August 2020 following the firm’s merger with McEvoy Corporate Law. He is now based between our Dublin and London offices.

Bernard is an energetic and extremely experienced corporate/commercial lawyer. Starting out in banking and property over 40 years ago, he was encouraged by his substantial client base to deal with their corporate and commercial matters. He has spent the vast majority of his career on these matters, both national and international, whilst handling high level dispute resolution, including fraud recovery and corporate restructuring.

Prior to joining Philip Lee, Bernard was the managing partner and founder of McEvoy Corporate Law (a boutique corporate/commercial law firm), having previously been a partner in an international firm based in London where he set up and managed the Irish team of that firm. During his years of practice, Bernard has built up extensive experience skill and know-how in all areas where business and law interact.

With his experience, there are few corporate/commercial documents that he has not dealt with. He also has considerable transaction experience in the commercial aspects, the negotiation and the legalities, so whether the business or product is being restructured, merging, sold, bought, capitalised or securitised, he will add value.

His clients include persons and entities who are based abroad or operate internationally from Ireland. Bernard provides a fast and effective service and communicates clearly. He works with a number of associates to help facilitate these services.

Representative Matters

• • • Advised the beneficiaries of a pension fund in relation to the alleged fraudulent misappropriation of over €7 million of their pension assets. This is a cross-border matter involving multiple parties including various financial institutions.
    • Advised Origin Enterprises plc on the merger of their fish oil and meal business reported at €78 million.
    • Advised the leading healthcare IT supplier IMS MAXIMS cross border examinership under the European Insolvency Regulations and related investment including Letter of Request from the Irish High Court to the High Court of England and Wales under the European Communities (Corporate Insolvency) Regulations 2002.
    • Advised EQTEC plc on its share capital reorganisation, Rule 9 whitewash and waiver from the Irish Take Over Panel.
    • Advised the majority sellers on the sale of Ardmore Studios Limited and Troy Studios Limited reported at $100m.
    • Advised Great Northern Distillery Limited acquisition of Harp Brewery and financing under the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme.
    • Advised Petrel Resources plc arbitration before the International Court of Arbitration concerning exploration rights in the Porcupine Basin of the Atlantic Ocean.
    • Advised Shay Murtagh (Precast) Ltd acquisition of UK incorporated Evans Concrete Limited.
    • Advised on the sale of Cooley Distillery to US firm Jim Beam (the fourth-biggest spirits company in the world) for $95 million (€73 million).
    • Advised an Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (ICAV) on the acquisition of nursing home portfolios.