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BDO UK and BDO Ireland are in the final stages of discussions to merge, subject to partner approval, regulatory clearance and completion.
The proposed deal would combine the firms’ operations in the UK, Dublin and Limerick to create one of Europe’s largest accountancy practices focused on mid-market businesses.
The merged organisation would have annual revenues of about £1.1bn (€1.26bn), 542 partners and 8,500 employees across 20 offices.
Both firms stated that the merger would strengthen their ability to support clients with cross-border work as demand for international advisory services increases.
The combined business would continue to offer audit, tax, deals and consulting, and risk and outsourcing services across key growth sectors in the UK and Ireland.
The deal would also provide greater investment capacity and career opportunities across the two firms, as well as improved access to international projects through the wider BDO global network.
The enlarged firm would remain part of the BDO International network, which operates in 166 countries and territories with more than 119,000 people worldwide.
Mark Shaw, managing partner at BDO UK, said: “This would be a landmark merger for both firms and demonstrates the ambition we have for our business, our people and our clients.
“Our client heartland is the ambitious, growing and entrepreneurial mid-market. These businesses are increasingly looking for support on a range of cross-border issues. In this environment, where markets are more inter-dependent than ever, it makes sense that we look at ways to collaborate even more closely with our international colleagues, hence this proposed merger.”
Brian McEnery, managing partner at BDO Ireland, added: “We have been discussing a merger built on a foundation of shared culture. From the start of our discussions, we agreed that a mutual commitment to our people, quality and integrity is as crucial to our long-term success as strategy and scale.
“BDO UK and Ireland have worked closely together for more than 40 years. For us, this is a logical step, one that is partner-led and brings us together as one team for the benefit of our people and our clients.”
