BDO Ireland and BDO UK are due to complete their merger this weekend, which will create one of Europe’s largest accountancy and business advisory organisations.
The merger, which becomes effective from 4 July – in line with the firms’ new financial year – brings together BDO Ireland’s offices in Dublin and Limerick with BDO UK’s existing 17 locations.
It creates an international business with revenues of nearly €1.26 billion, about 8,500 people and about 500 partners.
The merger will also allow the Irish organisation to achieve its ambitious growth target of doubling in size over the next five years, while increasing its number of partners from 43 to 70.
BDO said the transaction represents a significant milestone, bringing together two organisations with a long history of collaboration on cross-border client engagements, talent exchanges and sector initiatives.
It will also strengthen BDO’s ability to support clients operating across increasingly interconnected markets, while creating greater scale and capability across its Audit, Tax, Deals and Consulting, Risk & Outsourcing services.
Under the terms of the merger deal, Mark Shaw, UK Managing Partner, will continue in that role in the enlarged organisation, and Brian McEnery will continue as Regional Managing Partner in Ireland.
Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, the merger us built on a foundation of shared culture and mutual respect.
Clients will gain access to a wider network of specialists across the UK and Ireland, while our people will benefit from greater opportunities for collaboration, development and long-term growth. Together, we are building a stronger platform for our clients, our colleagues and our future,” he added.
“The accountancy profession is transforming to reflect changing client needs and the desire for closer international working. At the same time, advances in technology and AI are changing the way businesses operate and the expectations they place on their advisers.” Mark Shaw said.
“Bringing BDO UK and BDO Ireland together is our response to that shift, creating greater scale, capability and investment capacity for the future. Today marks an important milestone in that journey and the beginning of the next chapter of our growth story,” he added.
