John Given

Background

About John Given

Company Founder, Lawyer and Corporate Adviser I have over 25 years’ experience in the corporate and legal sectors. I am Managing Partner of KPMG Law, LLP, an Irish-based, corporate law firm and one of the fastest growing firms in the KPMG Law International network. I am a member of the KPMG Law Global and EMEA Steering Committees, and Global and EMEA Co-head of Asset Management. KPMG Law International has nearly legal personnel in over 80 jurisdictions. In a principal capacity, my roles have included- co-founder and Chairman of Malin Corporation plc. Malin’s 2015 float was Europe’s 2nd largest life sciences IPO. During my tenure as Executive Chairman, Malin delivered 50%+ returns to shareholders- Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Elan Corporation plc, an Irish headquartered, global biotech company. During my tenure, Elan successfully defended 3 hostile takeover bids and was subsequently sold for approx.$9bn, delivering $3bn in incremental value to Elan shareholders- Chairman of Irish-based pharma company Sigmoid Pharma through its strategic process and majority acquisition by three leading PE funds, comprising the largest Series B funding of an Irish clinical stage pharma company. In an advisory capacity, I have acted on over €100bn of M&A transactions across multiple sectors and geographies advising many leading Irish, European, US and Chinese companies, as well as on many boardroom issues and strategic matters for both private and state bodies. Sectors I have advised on include Financial Services, Life Sciences, Aviation, Tech, Media and Telecoms, Renewable Energy, Retail, Logistics, Professional Services, Mining and Natural Resources, and Agri-Food. As a Senior Partner with A&L Goodbody, I advised many leading Irish and global companies and state and semi state agencies. During my decade as Head of M&A, A&L Goodbody was ranked for 10 consecutive years as number 1 Irish M&A law firm. I also served on the firm’s Management and Policy Committees over many years. I have served on various public sector and not-for-profit bodies and boards. I have also spent many years helping to foster trade and cultural links between Ireland and China with both the public and private sectors in both countries. I studied law in UCC (BCL) and qualified as a solicitor in Ireland in 1995. I am also admitted to practice in England and Wales. I have conducted further courses of study at various institutions including Harvard University and UCD’s Smurfit Business School (MSc Management).