Dublin law firm Matheson is to buy Investec's Irish funds and debt securities listing business subject to approval from the Irish Stock Exchange.

Matheson partner Christian Donagh said Investec’s listing business helped companies seeking to list investment fund shares or structured debt securities. “If a company wants to list their bonds or shares on the Irish Stock Exchange, they need a listing agency. They can’t deal with the ISE directly,” he said.

The origins of Investec’s listing unit can be traced back to the 1980s when, as part of NCB Stockbrokers, it arranged the first listing of investment fund shares on the ISE.

While Matheson’s “natural instinct is to focus on legal advice”, the acquisition will allow it to offer a better experience to international clients, Mr Donagh said.

Matheson managing partner Liam Quirke said the acquisition would enhance its offering to international companies and financial institutions doing business in and through Ireland.

Investec associate director of investment funds Margot McDonagh is to join Matheson as its head of listing.

Matheson and Investec said existing clients of the acquired business would not experience delays or incur expense as a result of the transition.