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Robert O'Shea "provides exceptional service levels for his international clients. They love him."

Chambers Global and Europe

Expertise

Robert O'Shea is a consultant in the Corporate department at Matheson. 

He is a former member of the firm's Management Committee and was head of the Corporate Department from 2017 to 2023. Robert spent over 15 years as Head of Matheson's International Business Group where he advised many of the world's leading technology and life sciences companies on Irish corporate matters. 

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.

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).  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.  In 2019 Robert was also appointed to the Strategic Advisory Board of the University of Galway School of Law.

 

Experience Highlights

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.
Accolades

Robert O’Shea has "assembled a first-class corporate legal and governance team".
Corporate/M&A: Chambers Global 2022

"Matheson is a firm that I'd like to recommend in Ireland.  They are in my top three worldwide.  I'd recommend Robert O'Shea, in particular."
Corporate/M&A: Chambers Global 2022

Robert O’Shea's "technical acumen is top notch.  If you look for corporate support, he is heavily sought after by global multinationals.  He is terrific counsel and has a terrific bedside manner."  He is also "very approachable."
Corporate/M&A: Chambers Global 2022

Robert O'Shea "does great work, he is responsive and he always thinks of ways to help us move forward".
Chambers Europe 2021

Robert O'Shea is recommended.
European Legal 500 2019

Robert O'Shea leads the firm's corporate group. He is praised for providing "excellent advice which is both accurate and practical.”
Corporate: Chambers Global 2019

Recognised for Corporate Law.
Best Lawyers Ireland 2019 edition

Robert O’Shea has been recommended.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: European Legal 500 2018

Robert O’Shea has "deep experience in working with US companies".
European Legal 500 2018

Robert O’Shea is highly regarded.
Chambers Global & Europe 2018

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 is recognised as a leading lawyer by Best Lawyers.

Education

Harvard Law School ("Leadership in Law Firms" programme)

Qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales (non-practising)

Qualified as a solicitor in Ireland University College Galway and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (LLB)

University College Galway (BA in Legal Science and History)

The Industrial Development (Amendment) Act 2019

May 5, 2020, 13:14 PM
Getting Irish business Brexit-ready. New legislation brought into force by the outgoing Irish government is a welcome step in helping Irish business meet the challenges posed by Brexit.
Title : The Industrial Development (Amendment) Act 2019
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Engagement Time : 2
Insight Type : Article
Insight Date : Mar 18, 2020, 20:00 PM
Getting Irish business Brexit-ready.  New legislation brought into force by the outgoing Irish government is a welcome step in helping Irish business meet the challenges posed by Brexit.

The Industrial Development (Amendment) Act 2019 is one of a wide range of measures introduced to get Irish business Brexit-ready.

Doubling of Funding for Enterprise Development Agencies

The overall capital funding allowance that can be provided to IDA Ireland, EI and Science Foundation Ireland, in their combined lifetimes, is increased from €7 billion to €14 billion.

New Supports

Enterprise Ireland (“EI”), the state agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets :

• can now offer enhanced supports to client companies involved in research, development and innovation

• has increased flexibility to support enterprise development

• is empowered to manage its investments in client companies on a par with private sector investors.

For the first time, EI can provide grants to the horticulture sector and can partly fund research and development undertaken outside of Ireland by Irish based companies.  Government approval will be needed for investments above €7.5 million in any company.

The act was commenced by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation with effect from 7 January 2020 (with the exception of a section amending the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012) .

The measures were originally contained in the omnibus Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019.  The Irish government decided, however, to accelerate the introduction of this element of the legislative response to Brexit given the strategic importance of state business support to the Irish economy.

To discuss the impact of Brexit on your business, contact Matheson’s Brexit Advisory Group or your usual Matheson contact.

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