North West law firm Napthens has appointed an ‘established dealmaker’ to lead its Liverpool operation, joining from rival Weightmans. Tony McDonough reports

Law firm Napthens has appointed Kieran Donovan as partner and the new head of its Liverpool office.

Described as an “established dealmaker”, Mr Donovan brings more than 20 years of corporate transactional experience to the firm and joins from Weightmans, where he led its owner-managed business group across the Liverpool city region from 2017 to 2022.

Previously, he was head of corporate at a regional law firm and prior to that a partner at an international law firm, operating out of Liverpool. He acts for a wide range of clients from early-stage ventures to established owner-managed businesses, family companies, large corporates, and institutional investors. 

He regularly advises on M&A, buy-and-build strategies, disposals, venture capital, private equity and other investments, succession planning, joint ventures and shareholder reorganisations.

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Recognised in the Legal 500 as a ‘leading individual’ in corporate law in the North West, Mr Donovan is also chair of the Liverpool City Region Corporate Finance Group that comprises 50-plus members across the city region’s corporate finance community.

He will continue this work in his new role and will be responsible for continued development of the firm’s Liverpool offering. His appointment follows a series of senior hires over the past 12 months and a significant upgrade to a larger city centre office location in The Plaza in St Paul’s Square.

He will work alongside Gareth McIntegart, a leading regional dealmaker and Legal 500 ‘leading individual’.  Having joined Napthens in 2016 and launched its Liverpool office in 2018.

Alexandra Hatchman, chief executive at Napthens, said: “Kieran joins the firm at an exciting time. Our Liverpool team has recently opened a new office whilst our corporate team, led by Keith Melling, has just achieved a record year.

“Kieran, Gareth and Keith have known each other for many years, and form a potent combination. I am looking forward to the success they will achieve working together.”

Mr Donovan added: “Liverpool city region has a rich community of high-growth businesses, investors and professional services and there is huge potential here for Napthens.

“The firm’s reputation for building strong, lasting relationships with its clients and intermediary connections through quality service is clear throughout the firm, and I look forward to building on the success that Gareth and the team have achieved to date.”