Matheson is advising the US pharmaceutical firm Actavis on its $5.1 billion acquisition of Dublin-based Warner Chilcott. The Matheson team is led by Patrick Spicer, George Brady and Tim Scanlon with tax advice from John Ryan and Shane Hogan.

The all-stock deal was announced on 20 May 2013 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

This is the latest in a number of high-profile multi-billion dollar transactions that Matheson has advised on.

Matheson continues to advise Royalty Pharma on its $6.5 billion bid for Elan Corporation plc, the Irish biotechnology company.

In February of this year, Matheson advised on the sale of the country's biggest life and pensions provider Irish Life to Canada Life parent, Great-West Lifeco. The firm advised Ireland's Minister for Finance on the €1.3 billion sale, which has been described as a "historic transaction."

In addition, the firm recently advised Eaton Corporation plc on its $11.8 billion acquisition of Cooper Industries. This was the largest single M&A transaction in Ireland during 2012 and was named 'Most Innovative Deal of the Year' at the Finance Dublin 2013 Awards.

Matheson is the law firm of choice for international companies and financial institutions doing business in and through Ireland.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.