Jenny Ahern is a Partner in the Byrne Wallace Shields LLP Banking and Finance Team.

Jenny is a corporate banking specialist and has extensive experience in dealing with domestic and cross-border transactions involving multi-jurisdictional finance arrangements.

Jenny advises both lender and borrower clients on notable acquisition and leveraged finance transactions as well as a range of corporate lending, commercial real estate, development finance and fund finance transactions. Her wealth of experience also includes advising on high profile debt restructurings and significant portfolio acquisitions and disposals.

Experience

• Advised Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. in respect of the acquisition facilities it has provided to support the expansion and growth of Ireland’s leading insurance broker groups.
  
• Advised Kajima Ireland Limited (a subsidiary of Tokyo-listed construction company Kajima Corporation) in relation to the development and financing of a new 258 home residential scheme in Belmayne, Co. Dublin as part of a joint venture with Bartra.
  
• Acted as lead counsel to Muzinich & Co in respect of its debt and equity investment to assist with the MBO and organic and acquisition led growth of SONAS Bathrooms, a market leading supplier of bathroom products. 
  
• Advised Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. in respect of facilities advanced to a leading Irish clothing manufacturer.
  
• Advised an Irish investment fund in relation to the acquisition and redevelopment of a large shopping centre in Dublin.
  
• Advised the investor group in respect of its euro-denominated private placements of circa €120 million to a leading investor in modern healthcare properties in the UK and Ireland.
  
• Acted for a large real estate investment company in the purchase and financing of a hotel and golf course together with 220 acres of associated real estate interests.
  
• Advised various lenders and borrowers in connection with site acquisition and development finance transactions, involving QIAIF structures, relating to commercial real estate and residential developments
  
• Advised a leading Irish property group in respect of a number of its investments including financing a number of significant mixed use development schemes.
  
• Advised a development finance company in its funding of a number of residential development schemes.
  
• Advised Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. in respect of acquisition finance and working capital facilities to a number of leading Irish food and beverage manufacturers and suppliers.
  
• Advised a US based private equity fund in connection with the circa financing of its acquisition of and investment in a high-profile regulatory services provider.

Qualifications

• BBLS, University College Dublin

Recommendations

• "Jenny Ahern is a top quality legal professional that is able to provide concise and quality legal advice. She willingly takes the lead on finding solutions to issues as they arise." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Legal 500 2024
  
• "Jenny Ahern is a fantastic Head of Banking. Works hard, excellent commercial acumen and fantastic client relationship skills." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Legal 500 2024
  
• "Jenny Ahern is very commercial, sensible and very thorough." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Europe 2024
  
• "Jenny Ahern is very commercial, sensible and very thorough." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Global 2024
  
• She is knowledgeable, considered and knows how to get the job done. I have found her to be collaborative and client focused. She is focused on adding value. Her experience in Banking and Finance is invaluable and I find her to be very supportive in finding optimal solutions.’ Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Legal 500 2023
  
• Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Europe 2023
  
• "She is a trusted adviser who is keen to add value to any engagement and complete tasks in a timely manner." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Global 2023
  
• "She is very well regarded in the industry." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Europe 2022
  
• She is highly efficient and demonstrates strong technical skills." Recommended for Banking and Finance. - Chambers Europe 2021
  
• Recommended as a 'Next Generation Partner' for Banking and Finance. - Legal 500 2021
  
• Recommended as a 'Next Generation Partner' for Banking and Finance. - Legal 500 2020
  
• Jenny Ahern is praised for her 'encyclopaedic knowledge of all banking and property disciplines'. Recommended as a 'Next Generation Partner' for Banking and Finance.- Legal 500 2019