Carson McDowell advises on the sale of Finnebrogue to Sofina Foods

Carson McDowell’s market-leading agri-food team were delighted to advise the shareholders on the sale of the Finnebrogue group to Sofina Foods.

Finnebrogue is a family-owned, award-winning food manufacturing business, established in 1991 by the late Denis Lynn together with Christine Lynn, and currently employing around 1,200 people across four state-of-the-art facilities in County Down, Northern Ireland. Finnebrogue’s products include its nitrite-free Naked ranges of pork products as well as plant-based ranges.

Christine Lynn said:

"With Denis's vision and innovation, the business grew into one of the leading food companies in Northern Ireland. But the time has now come for me to hand over the baton, and to do so to Sofina who I know will uphold Denis's legacy and take Finnebrogue on to its next chapter."

Roger Burnley CBE, outgoing Chair of Finnebrogue, said:

"Engaging Carson McDowell as our corporate lawyers for the sale of Finnebrogue proved to be an excellent decision: led by Gerard Armstrong, the team involved were knowledgeable, experienced and extremely diligent- there for us through every moment of a long and complex process. My heartfelt thanks go to Rachel Penny, Helena Park, and in particular Gerard Armstrong for guiding us through a successful process, culminating in the acquisition of Finnebrogue by Sofina."

The Carson McDowell team was led by Gerard Armstrong, Joint Head of Corporate, together with colleagues including Helena Park, Rachel Penny, Mary-Kim Doherty, Sinead McGrath, Victoria Kinkaid, Kerrie Emerson, Lyndsey Watt and Hannah McGrath.

Gerard Armstrong noted that the transaction is the latest in a series of notable agri-food transactions over the past number of years, confirming Carson McDowell’s position as the law firm of choice for companies operating within that sector.

“We are very privileged to have been able to work with Finnebrogue and its visionary founders over many years, and to have played some small part in its wonderful successes. We were delighted to be able to work with the sellers and the exceptional management team at Finnebrogue on this transaction. It will be very exciting to see Finnebrogue continue to grow and excel over the coming years.”