BDO UK and BDO Ireland have exchanged contracts on their proposed merger after the partnerships voted to approve the combination.
Subject to regulatory approval, the deal is expected to be completed in the spring, bringing together BDO’s Dublin and Limerick offices with 17 UK sites.
It will create a business with revenues of approximately €1.26bn, 550 partners and 8,500 employees.
The ‘in-network’ merger is described as a major organisation for both organisations, cementing BDO’s position as one of the largest accountancy firms in Europe, focusing on mid-market firms.
“We have worked side-by-side for decades on cross-border engagements, client collaborations and talent exchanges,” said Brian McEnery, managing partner at BDO Ireland.
“We know each other well, and this shared history gives us confidence that we can build something even stronger together.”
Mark Shaw, managing partner at BDO UK, said: “Partners in both the UK and Ireland have been clear in their support.
“They are excited about the next phase of our growth story and are pleased to have reached this important stage in the deal.
“This is a merger built on a foundation of shared culture, with mutual respect and commitment to our people, to quality and the consistency of service which our client heartland of entrepreneurial, growing and ambitious businesses requires.
“We look forward to working, thriving and winning together.”
The merger will broaden BDO’s offering across its four service lines (audit, tax, deals and consulting, risk & outsourcing) and in a range of growth sectors in both Ireland and the UK.
BDO’s UK and Ireland businesses are expected to merge in the spring.
The enlarged organisation will remain part of the $11bn BDO international network, which spans 169 countries and territories and has more than 95,000 people working out of 870 offices worldwide.
Photo: BDO Ireland managing partner Brian McEnery and Marc Aboud. (Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography)