John Kearns has an extensive corporate law and restructuring practice, acting in company receiverships, liquidations, voluntary arrangements and administrations. Over his 20 years in this field John has been involved in landmark cases that are fundamental to Insolvency Law in the jurisdiction.

He also advises major Northern Ireland banks in relation to enforcement procedures under various types of debentures and assists in the appointment of fixed-charge receivers as well as assisting individuals and businesses in relation to restructuring their liabilities with the financial institutions.

John also has a substantial corporate law practice which involves advising numerous businesses throughout the province.

John, as company secretary and lead lawyer for First Derivatives PLC, has acted for the global company in the acquisition of KX Systems Inc. (California based software company) for an aggregate consideration in excess of $100 million dollars.

John was also instrumental in the negotiation and finalisation of the extension of First Derivatives PLC. banking facilities which included Term and Revolving Loan Facilities amounting to £130 million. 

• acted in administration and pre-packed sale of a major local building company (safeguarding over 200 jobs);
• advised on numerous joint ventures, corporate finance transactions, acquisitions and MBOs/MBIs;
• stands a Company Secretary of FD PLC. and Director of numerous subsidiary companies belonging to FD PLC.;
• assisted in the region’s largest property-based insolvency restructuring;
• negotiated the execution of one of the largest trade agreements for traded shares in the province.