John is a corporate partner and is Head of International at the firm. He specialises in corporate law and has a broad corporate and commercial practice including advising upon domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions and other complex corporate transactions.

John also deals with corporate reorganisations and migrations, loan portfolio acquisitions and sales and has significant experience in corporate governance matters for both regulated and unregulated entities. He also deals extensively with overseas clients and counsel on the establishment of business operations in Ireland and in respect of ongoing legal requirements and issues. He has particular experience and expertise in transactions and advisory work in the technology, energy and financial services sectors. John has, during the course of his career, headed up both our London and New York offices, headed up one of the firm’s M&A teams and has served on, and currently participates in, the firm’s Management Committee.

Relevant Experience

  • Acting for KBC Bank on multiple significant corporate and loan portfolio transactions
  • Acting for the shareholders of the Glennon Group in its proposed sale to the Ardonagh Group
  • Acting for Brewin Dolphin on its proposed acquisition of Investec Ireland’s wealth management business
  • Acting for Epiris funds on its take private acquisition of IFG Group plc
  • Acting for Astorg and Bridgepoint in relation to the acquisition of the Fenergo Group
  • Acting for Exponent Private Equity in relation to the acquisition of a majority investment in Xeinadin
  • Acting for Wells Fargo Bank in relation to the establishment of a licensed bank in Ireland and various ongoing corporate and regulatory matters
  • Acting for Bain Capital on the acquisition of multiple loan portfolios
  • Acting for Blackstone on the acquisition and sale of multiple loan portfolio and real estate assets
  • Acting for a number of other leading US private equity houses with respect to the acquisition and sale of certain Irish loan portfolio and other assets

 

 


Endorsements

John Matson has “extended expertise in his core field (M&A) but also in adjacent fields (regulatory, GDPR, etc), and knows when to bring in experts. Good manager of his own team and the client. Kind and friendly, which results in willingness from all employees within client to work with him and involve him. Can rely on him to give correct and unbiased advice.” 

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms, 2022 

“John is the best counsel with whom I have worked with at any firm. He is very knowledgeable and well connected, has a pleasant and calm demeanour and offers an unusually high work ethic that meets all our needs on time and on budget. He is top notch!”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Legal Financial Law Firms, 2020

John Matson is extremely good at problem solving. He is a superb lawyer who comes up with excellent solutions to complex issues.”

The Legal 500: Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2022

“John is extremely responsive and always delivers high quality, commercial advice.  He is my “go-to” corporate lawyer in Ireland.”

IFLR 1000: The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms, 2021

 


Education & Qualifications

  • HDBS, 1993, Smurfit Graduate School of Business, University College, Dublin
  • BCL, 1992, University College, Cork
  • Admitted to the New York Bar, 1999
  • Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales (non-practising), 1998
  • Admitted as a solicitor in Ireland, 1996
  • Member of the Bar Association of the City of New York
  • Member of the International Bar Association
  • Member of the New York Bar Association
  • Member of the American Bar Association
  • Member of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.
  • Member of the Board of Directors and Past Chairman of Lex Mundi