Date: 14^th April 2025

By George Hardie, Corporate Finance Director, HLB Ireland

Ireland’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is thriving, with foreign investors driving a significant portion of deal activity. In 2024 alone, overseas buyers were behind 239 of the 462 completed transactions, a clear sign that Ireland remains a key destination for international investment.

Ireland’s strong, stable economy, well-established financial services sector, and position as a gateway to the EU make it an attractive market. However, the deal-making process for those looking to enter is becoming increasingly complex.

For foreign investors, success in the Irish market isn’t just about finding the right target—it’s about understanding the local business environment, navigating regulations, and structuring deals correctly. That’s where having a trusted advisor on the ground becomes invaluable.

Local Expertise, Global Strength

"As part of HLB International, we’re connected to a global network of dealmakers, sector specialists, and advisors in over 150 countries," says George Hardie, Corporate Finance Director at HLB Ireland. "That gives our clients the best of both worlds—local insight combined with international expertise."

HLB Ireland works closely with overseas buyers, helping them to assess opportunities, structure deals, and navigate the Irish regulatory landscape.

Why Local Advisors Are Essential in Irish M&A

1. Market Knowledge and Strong Networks

"Ireland’s M&A market is highly relationship-driven," says George. "Having a local advisor means access to key market insights and connections with investors, legal professionals, and regulators. These relationships can differentiate between a deal stalling and closing successfully."

2. Navigating Irish Regulations and Compliance

Ireland has strict corporate governance, tax laws, and competition rules, which must be carefully considered in any transaction.

"Foreign investors are often surprised by how much local regulatory nuances can impact a deal," George explains. "Understanding these frameworks upfront can help avoid delays, unexpected costs, or even deal failure."

3. Understanding Business Culture and Negotiation Styles

Negotiation styles, business etiquette, and deal expectations vary between countries.

"Ireland has its way of doing business," says George. "Cultural differences can affect negotiations, and having someone who understands local practices and international investor expectations can help bridge the gap."

4. Tax Efficiency and Structuring Deals the Right Way

Ireland’s corporate tax system and investment incentives are a significant draw for foreign buyers, but structuring a deal efficiently requires a local perspective.

"Tax is always a key consideration," George notes. "A well-structured deal can make a big difference in long-term returns, but it needs to be set up correctly from the outset."

5. Accurate Valuations and Deal Structuring

Valuing an Irish business requires more than just financial performance. It also requires understanding industry trends, recent transactions, and local market dynamics.

"Valuations can vary significantly depending on the sector and market conditions," says George. "Local advisors understand how Irish businesses are valued and can ensure that deals are structured in a way that makes commercial sense."

6. Managing Due Diligence and Transaction Execution

From due diligence and contract negotiations to regulatory approvals, executing an M&A transaction is a multi-step process that requires careful coordination.

"There are many moving parts in any deal," George explains. "Having a local team managing the process ensures that things keep progressing smoothly, avoiding unnecessary delays."

7. Post-Deal Integration and Long-Term Success

Successfully closing a deal is the first step—integrating operations and aligning business cultures is often the more significant challenge.

"Many investors underestimate the importance of post-deal integration," says George. "Ensuring teams, systems, and cultures align is critical to realising the full value of an acquisition."

A Strong Future for Irish M&A

With Ireland’s M&A market showing no signs of slowing down, foreign investors have a huge opportunity to enter a growing and resilient economy. However, as deal-making becomes more complex, having the right local expertise is essential.

"We’re seeing continued strong interest in Ireland from international investors," says George. "The key to success isn’t just finding the right opportunity—it’s about having the right advice to execute deals effectively and avoid pitfalls along the way."

For expert guidance on entering the Irish market, contact George Hardie.