ByrneWallace advise on Deal of the Year for Loans & Financing - SME Sector

ByrneWallace is pleased to announce that the firm advised Griffin Group, winner of the Finance Dublin Loans & Financing – SME Sector Deal of the Year Award 2017. 

Presented annually, the Finance Dublin Deals of the Year Awards recognise the best in class Irish corporate finance transactions and the leading deal makers and professional services firms that advised upon them.  This year, 159 deals were nominated and 32 deals awarded across five award categories – Mergers & Acquisitions, Debt Capital, Debt Capital, Loans & Financing and Financial Services. 

The Griffin Group transaction on which ByrneWallace advised related to the refinancing of the Group’s funding under a five year agreement with AIB. The Group is one of the country’s leading premier hospitality groups and owns the world leading Monart Destination Spa, Hotel Kilkenny and the Ferrycarrig Hotel in Co. Wexford. The Group was historically multi-banked.

The ByrneWallace team, comprising specialist lawyers in banking & finance, insolvency & restructuring, and property law, advised on the review and negotiation of the facilities agreement and security package for the refinancing, as well as all transaction and related ancillary documents. Working with EY, the team also advised on the negotiation of the terms of the debt restructure and the release of security held by each of the lenders who were being refinanced.

Commenting on the transaction, Mark Kavanagh, Head of Banking & Finance at ByrneWallace, who was the lead partner on the transaction said, “ByrneWallace has a long tradition advising some of Ireland’s leading SMEs and family businesses in growing and funding their businesses.  We are delighted to have had this opportunity to work with the Griffin Group to future proof its funding structure and support its continued long term growth.”

Michael Griffin, CEO of Griffin Group added, “we were delighted to work with Mark and the team at ByrneWallace to successfully conclude our recent transation. What impressed me most was not only the professionalisim and thoroughness of the ByrneWallace team but that they really mobilised to ensure we executed  within a  time sensitive window.”

Commenting on the 2017 Finance Dublin Awards and the quality of the deals and advisers awarded, Finance Dublin said, "Ireland is benefiting from a Professional Services sector whose expertise spans a thriving domestic M&A market, and a series of market based finance markets, and international financial services markets, recognised prominently among the 32 Awards that are listed. 

“We are delighted to be able to recognise your firm [ByrneWallace] and colleagues for your achievements that are playing a material part in the country's success in finance.”

The ByrneWallace team who advised on the Griffin Group transaction included Mark Kavanagh (Lead Partner), and Laura Fitzpatrick (Solicitor) from the Banking & Finance team; Property partner Alison O’Sullivan; and partner and Head of Insolvency & Restructuring, John Fitzgerald.  

For advice on funding your business for growth, contact Mark Kavanagh, or any member of the ByrneWallace Banking & Finance team.