News & Insights
Please search below for the latest publications, clients updates, news and events from across the firm.
Directors: Requirement for PPS Numbers from 11 June 2023
After a short delay with implementation, the new PPS number disclosure requirement will commence from 11 June 2023. All company directors of...
Auto-Enrolment and Pensions: An Update
Automatic enrolment is a new form of retirement savings system that is intended to be introduced in Ireland in 2024. ...
ISIF backs Elkstone’s €100m Startup Fund
LK Shields were delighted to support Elkstone in admitting the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) as a limited partner and...
W&I Insurance Update
Warranty and indemnity insurance has been used for many years in corporate transactions to provide a buyer with recourse under...
Sale of CorrIT Limited to ArisGlobal Limited
LK Shields acted as solicitors for the shareholders in the sale of CorrIT Limited t/a SPORIFY to ArisGlobal. SPORIFY...
Government to Address Windfall Gains in The Energy Sector With Legislation
The General Scheme of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill 2023 was approved by the Government on 21 March 2023. ...
UCITS Management Costs and Fees: Dear Chair Letter From the Central Bank
The Central Bank of Ireland (“Central Bank”) issued a letter to the Chairs of UCITS in March to...
Series A round of Meili Travel Technology Limited
LK Shields was delighted to have assisted Schooner Capital on Irish law matters in connection with its participation in...
Law of Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty and LPT, Finance Act 2022
Emmet Scully has co-edited ‘Law of Capital Acquisitions Tax, Stamp Duty and LPT, Finance Act 2022’ recently published by...
LK Shields Announces Appointment of New Managing Partner
The firm is also delighted to announce two new department heads and one promotion to corporate partner LK Shields is...
ESMA Updates Q&As: AIFMD, Crowdfunding, EuSEF and EuVECA Regulation (EU) and Securities Settlements
ESMA recently published updated versions of four Q&As. The updated Q&As relate to the following...
Auction Sales of Private Companies: The Bidding Process
If you are selling a company, then an auction sale might be an option for you to consider. An auction...
Probationary Periods – A Testing Time
Probation is not a legally defined term but generally is understood to mean a specific period usually at the...
Acquisition of MBC Insurance by The Clear Group
LK Shields was delighted to assist insurance brokerage group, The Clear Group, with the Irish aspects of its acquisition of...
Legal 500 2023
LK Shields has once again been highly ranked in the latest edition of The Legal 500 2023 guide to outstanding lawyers...
Performance Bonds in Construction - The Ascertainment Conundrum
Bonds creating security for contractor performance are typically seen forming part of the contractual framework underpinning a construction project. A...
Update to the Central Bank’s Position on QIAIFs Holding Indirect Exposure to Digital Assets
On 4 April 2023, the Central Bank of Ireland published the 47th Edition of the AIFMD Q&A (the Q&...
Sale of Noone Casey to ETL International AG
LK Shields was delighted to act for Noone Casey, an accounting, assurance and corporate finance firm based in Dublin with...
Investment by Atlantic Bridge University Fund II and Elkstone Ireland Venture Fund Limited in Bluedrop Medical Limited
We were delighted to act for Atlantic Bridge University Fund II and Elkstone Ireland Venture Fund Limited in their investment...
Directors: Requirement for PPS Numbers from 23 April 2023
From 23 April 2023, all company directors of Irish companies will be required to provide their Personal Public Service (PPS) number to...
Acquisition of the Haddington Hotel Business
LK Shields was delighted to have advised HH Victoria group in their acquisition and financing of Haddington House. The...
The Purchase by Egis Group of J.B Barry and Partners Holdings Limited and Its Subsidiaries
LK Shields was delighted to act for French company, Egis in its acquisition of Dublin-headquartered civil engineering business, J.B....
The Individual Accountability Framework: Implementation by The Central Bank
On 9 March 2023, the Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Act 2023 (IAF Act 2023) was signed into law. This legislation provides a substantial...
Kester Capital Backs Management Buy-Out of MAP Patient Access
LK Shields acted as Irish counsel for Kester Capital, a UK private equity specialist, in the investment in MAP Patient...
Establishment of Sure Valley Ventures III Limited Partnership
We were delighted to advise long standing client Sure Valley Ventures on the establishment of its third venture capital...
Event
The New Protected Disclosures/Whistleblowing Legislation - What Employers Need to Know
Join us for a panel discussion on the key changes that employers should be aware of in relation to the...
Acquisition by Corlytics of SparQ
LK Shields was delighted to advise Corlytics Limited on its acquisition of SparQ reg tech from Dutch bank ING. ...
Chambers Global 2023
Leading independent legal ranking publication Chambers Global has again highly ranked a number of our practice areas and solicitors. Our...
Investment by BVP Investments Limited in Jewellery Brand Chupi
LK Shields was delighted to act for BVP Investments Limited in its investment as part of a wider round in...
Employment Contracts Must Be Transparent and Predictable: Implications for Employers
The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022 were signed into law, and came into force, on 16 December 2022. The...
LK Shields Welcomes Pat Fox to their Real Estate Team
LK Shields is delighted to welcome back Pat Fox as a Partner in their Real Estate team. Pat is a...
Sale of Frankie Health to Unmind
LK Shields acted as Irish counsel for the Vendors of Frankie Health, a provider of personalised mental health platforms for...
Own Funds Requirements for UCITS ManCos and AIFMs: Changes Proposed by Central Bank
The Central Bank of Ireland is proposing to introduce new own funds requirements for UCITS Management Companies and Authorised Investment...
Merger Control in Ireland: 2022 in Review
The Mergers and Acquisitions Report for 2022 was recently published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The report...
Residential Zoned Land Tax: Important Dates for ‘Owners’ of Land
Owners of land, which is zoned for residential development and serviced, may be liable for Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT)...
Top Tips for Start-Ups
When starting a new business, the decisions that need to be made can seem complex and daunting. Start-ups normally...
The Quest for B-Corp Certification, What Does it Mean for Businesses?
B Corp status is a certification that a business prioritises its social and environmental impact over profits. Any Irish for-profit...
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Driving Investment in Research and Innovation
In December of last year, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD announced...
Changes to Probationary Periods: Employers Beware and Prepare
The European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022 came into force in Ireland on 16 December 2022. These Regulations introduce...
LK Shields Acts for Quiktipz Limited
LK Shields Solicitors LLP was delighted to act for Quiktipz Limited as it secured an equity investment to allow it...
Forgo Limited’s acquisition of the share capital of O’Reilly, Stuart and Associates Limited
LK Shields is delighted to have assisted Forgo Limited, an Erisbeg company, on its acquisition of a majority stake in...
EI Electronics purchase of Brooks Australia Pty Ltd
Shannon based Irish Company EI Electronics has acquired its Sydney Based Australian Distributor Brooks PTY. Employing 35 people throughout Australia, Brooks...
Disposal of entire issued share capital of Accent Facilities Solutions Limited
LK Shields was delighted to have assisted in the sale of our long-time client, Accent Facilities Solutions Ltd t/a...
New Planning and Development Bill: Reform is imminent in 2023
A draft Planning and Development Bill was approved by the Government in December and is expected to be officially published...
Joint Venture between Centric Health and Irish Life
LK Shields was delighted to act for Centric Health in the formation of a joint venture with Irish Life....
Climate Change : Considerations for Irish Real Estate
With 2023 approaching, readers are reminded of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which came into force in...
Sure Valley Ventures Participate in Investment round of Opsmatix Systems t/a Jaid
LK Shields was delighted to act for long standing client Sure Valley Ventures in connection with its participation in...
Smarttech247 IPO on AIM of the London Stock Exchange
LK Shields was delighted to act as legal adviser to Smarttech247 Group PLC on Irish matters on its...
Sure Valley Ventures Enterprise Capital LP participation in the investment round of Opsmatix Systems Limited t/a Jaid
LK Shields was delighted to act for long standing client Sure Valley Ventures in connection with its participation in...
Event
Construction Law Forum – Galway
The Projects and Construction Team at LK Shields Solicitors is hosting its first Construction Law Forum in Galway. ...
Kilimanjaro Holdings acquires 70% of the issued share capital of Regular Limited
LK Shields was delighted to act for Kilimanjaro Holdings Limited, a UK based subsidiary of Deutsche Entertainment Aktiengesellschaft (DEAG) ...
New PPSN Disclosure for Directors of Irish Companies
The requirement for all Directors of Irish companies to provide their PPSN to the Registrar of Companies is expected to...
Acted for Vyrga Holdings Limited, part of the Erisbeg Group, on the acquisition of Eolas Recruitment Limited
LK Shields is delighted to have acted for Vyrga Holdings Limited, part of the Erisbeg Group in the acquisition of...
Central Bank Measures Target Vulnerabilities in Irish Property Funds Sector
The Central Bank of Ireland issued its finalised macroprudential policy framework for Irish property funds on 24 November 2022. In its...
Sale of Harmony Timber Solutions Limited and GMP Developments Limited to Glenveagh Contracting Limited
LK Shields Solicitors was delighted to act on behalf of the sellers of Harmony Timber Solutions Limited and GMP Developments...
LK Shields acts for Glenpatrick Natural Water Coolers Limited
LK Shields Solicitors was delighted to act for Glenpatrick Natural Mineral Water Coolers Limited in its acquisition of Galway based...
Commercial Tenant’s Defence of ‘Partial Frustration’ during COVID Rejected by High Court
A commercial tenant of a retail premises, in arrears, was unsuccessful in its claim that the lease was partially frustrated...
LK Shields Acts for BVP in its Follow-On Investment in Foodmarble Digestive Health Limited
LK Shields Solicitors LLP was delighted to act for BVP in its follow-on investment in Foodmarble Digestive Health Limited. BVP...
Ameresco acquisition and upgrade of a 4.85MW Windfarm County Cork
LK Shields Solicitors was delighted to have assisted Ameresco, a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy...
Central Bank of Ireland Fines UCITS Management Company €117,600 for Breach of Disclosure Requirements
On 14 November 2022, the Central Bank of Ireland issued a press release noting that it had reprimanded and fined Mercer Global...
Terms and Conditions for the First Offshore Auction under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in Ireland
The terms and conditions for the first offshore wind auction under the existing Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) were approved...
Solar Panels: New Planning Exemptions do not Eliminate other Legal Issues
Solar panels may now be installed on the rooftops of most buildings in Ireland without any need for planning permission. ...
High Court upholds the Constitutionality of the Personal Injuries Guidelines
A decision of the High Court of Ireland has upheld the constitutionality of the Personal Injuries Guidelines. The Personal...
LK Shields acts for Suir Valley Funds ICAV
Suir Valley Funds ICAV acting solely in respect of its sub-fund Sure Valley Ventures’ participation in the investment round...
Minority Oppression and Awarding Costs: Lessons from the Court of Appeal
A recent decision of the Court of Appeal showcases the potential of section 212 of the Companies Act 2014, which provides for...
New Standard Contractual Clauses: Implementation and December Deadline
The European Commission published updated Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) under the GDPR on 4 June 2021. Organisations have until 27 December 2022 to incorporate...
Investment by MyTicket Services Limited in Oshi Software Limited t/a Tickets.ie
LK Shields Solicitors was delighted to act for MyTicket Services Limited in its investment for a majority shareholding in Oshi...
Revenue’s Debt Warehousing Scheme Extended
An extension to the Debt Warehousing Scheme has been announced by the Revenue Commissioners. The Debt Warehousing Scheme (DWS) was...
Government Approves Ban on Evictions Until April 2023
The Government has approved a temporary ban on evictions until 1 April 2023. The forthcoming legislation will provide for...
Jamie Ritchie Appointed as Head of Projects and Construction at LK Shields Solicitors
LK Shields Solicitors is delighted to announce that Jamie Ritchie has been appointed as Head of our highly regarded Projects...
Changes to the Irish Examinership Regime: The European Union (Preventive Restructuring) Regulations 2022.
The corporate insolvency aspects of Directive (EU) 2019/1023 on preventive restructuring were recently implemented in Ireland through the European Union (Preventive...
BP Multipage Limited
LK Shields Solicitors was delighted to assist BP Multipage Limited, an Erisbeg portfolio company, on its acquisition of...
Unlimited Companies – Changes to Filing Rules
Updated filing rules for private Unlimited Companies (ULCs) that have limited liability subsidiaries (regardless of where those subsidiaries are registered)...
Register of Beneficial Ownership – Annual Report 2021
The Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies (RBO) has published its annual report for 2021...
Branch / External Company – Accounts Filing
All companies operating a branch in Ireland are required to file accounting documents with the CRO. An EEA company is...
Compliance Agenda – October 2022
by Colm Hanley, Michelle Howe, Patricia Kelly
Annual Returns Filing Deadline – 25 November 2022
Most Irish companies have a financial year end date of 31 December and ideally an annual return date (ARD) of 30 September. ...
Deadline for SFDR Disclosure Fast Track Filing Looms
The Central Bank has provided updated Guidance on the SFDR Level 2 Pre-Contractual Fast-Track Filing Process for UCITS and AIFs. ...
How Can Private Companies Incentivise Employees in 2022 and Beyond
There is no doubt that the last two years have been challenging for businesses and their employees for many reasons. ...
Budget 2023: Improvements to the Key Employee Engagement Programme
Improvements to the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) were announced in the Budget 2023 Statement. Such improvements form part of...
New Powers to Impose Fines and Sanctions Introduced by the Competition (Amendment) Act 2022
The Competition (Amendment) Act 2022 will introduce numerous changes to the regulation and enforcement of competition law in Ireland. The...
LK Shields act for Kajima on Belmayne Residential scheme
LK Shields was delighted to advise Kajima Ireland Limited in relation to the development and financing of a new 258-home...
A Welcome Development for Life Settlement QIAIFs
In a welcome move, the Central Bank of Ireland (“CBI”) has simplified the authorisation requirements for Qualifying Investor...
Ronspot Limited Investment Round
LK Shields Solicitors LLP was delighted to act for Ronspot Limited in connection with its latest investment round. Emmet...
Outsourcing Registers: Requirements of Central Bank of Ireland
The Central Bank of Ireland recently published templates and related guidance notes for each of the following sectors to facilitate ...
Investing in Ireland - New Screening of Foreign Direct Investments Legislation
The Screening of Third Country Transactions Bill 2022 will introduce a screening mechanism for foreign direct investments (FDI) in Ireland for...
The Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill 2022 Published
On 28 July 2022, the Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill 2022 (the Bill) was published by the Department of Finance (here). The...
Acted for the Vendors of Walco Foods, a leading Irish trader of animal fats and proteins, on the sale of the company to Neste
LK Shields acted for the Vendors of Walco Foods, a leading Irish trader of animal fats and proteins, in the...
ESMA Q&As: Updates on Frequency of Depositary Reconciliations and Marketing Responsibility for AIFs and UCITS
On 20 July 2022, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) updated its Questions and Answers on the “Application of the...
“Class 1 Firms” Now Subject to the CRD / CRR Regime in Ireland
Three new sets of Regulations have been published that finalise the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/2034 (the Investment Firms Directive or...
Implementation of EU Directive on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions
Directive (EU) 2019/2121), known as the Mobility Directive, aims to eliminate unjustified barriers to the freedom of establishment of EU companies...
Welcome Updates from the Central Bank to the QIAIF Pre-submission Process
On 1 July 2022, the Central Bank published revised guidance regarding the pre-submission requirements it has in place for certain Qualifying Investor...
Significant Changes to the Irish Mergers Regime
The Competition (Amendment) 2022 Act introduces a number of significant changes to the mergers regime in Ireland and it is likely...
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence: EU Proposal Prioritises Human Rights and the Environment
The European Commission published a Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence in February 2022. In pursuit of...
Sale of Aspire Technology Unlimited Company to NEC Corporation
LK Shields Solicitors acted for Bill Walsh in the sale of Aspire Technology Unlimited Company to NEC Corporation. Aspire Technology...
Dealing with Conflicts of Interest: What Directors Need to Know
Conflicts of interest are part of doing business, and when they arise it is important for directors to handle them...