Robert O'Shea is a partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Department at Matheson. He is co-head of the firm's US Business and Inward Investment Groups. Robert practises corporate law focusing primarily on the area of inward investment, international corporate reorganisations, post-acquisition integration and consolidation projects, spin-off transactions, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, general commercial contracts and corporate governance and compliance.

Robert has extensive experience in leading multi-jurisdictional transactions and has advised in relation to some of the largest inward investment and restructuring projects in Ireland. In particular he has extensive experience drafting and advising on the legal documentation associated with cross-border restructurings and inward investment projects and the complex legal issues that can arise in re-organisation projects.

Prior to joining Matheson in 2000, Robert previously worked with another one of Ireland's largest corporate law firms where he practised in similar areas. Robert also spent time working in-house with the legal department of a large US pharmaceutical corporation, where he worked on international transactions.

At Matheson, Robert leads a team of corporate lawyers in the International Business Group who deal directly with overseas clients and counsel on cross-border transactions including re-organisations and restructurings involving Irish subsidiaries of foreign corporations and the establishment of business operations in Ireland, both by acquisition and start-up.

Robert is a member of the Law Society of Ireland, the Law Society of England and Wales and an associate member of the American Bar Association (ABA). He is also a member of the European Committee of the ABA Section of International Law and also the M&A Multinational sub-committee. Robert has published and presented on a variety of corporate and international business law topics both in Ireland and overseas. He has also lectured extensively on various corporate and commercial law topics for the Law Society of Ireland, as well as at Irish universities and industry associations such as International Fiscal Association.

Recent transactions on which Robert and his team have advised include:

• standing corporate counsel to numerous international corporations in respect of their Irish operations
• advising Fortune 100 US corporations on group-wide international restructurings
• representation of international corporations on their establishment in Ireland
• substantial integration projects pre and post mergers and acquisitions for various international clients
• ongoing strategic advice and counselling for a range of international corporations including in relation to cash and dividend repatriation strategies

Recognised for Corporate Law
Best Lawyers Ireland 2018 edition

Robert O'Shea is recommended.
European Legal 500 2017

Clients praise Robert O'Shea for his "deep understanding of Irish corporate law".
Chambers Global & Europe 2017

Robert O'Shea’s clients appreciate his "attentiveness and responsiveness".
Chambers Global 2016

Robert O’Shea "is an affable guy, but very certain and confident of the right way forward".
Chambers Global 2016

Life Sciences star
2015 Euromoney LMG

M&A and Governance expert
Who’s Who Legal 2015

Robert O’Shea is recommended.
European Legal 500 2015

Mergers and Acquisitions expert
Who's Who Legal 100 2014

Life Sciences star
2014 Euromoney LMG

Recommended for Corporate and Commercial.  
European Legal 500 2014

According to sources, Robert "provides exceptional service levels for his international clients. They love him."
Chambers Global & Europe 2014

Robert O'Shea advises on a range of significant, large inward investment and restructuring projects. He is particularly experienced in advising leading US multinationals active in Ireland, such as PepsiCo.
Chambers Global & Europe 2014

According to sources, "Robert is responsive, practical, service-oriented and helpful. He always wants to know what can be done better".
Chambers Global 2013

Robert O'Shea is recognised as a leading lawyer by Best Lawyers.