Professional services group DJH has made its first acquisition in Ireland as part of its international expansion plans.
The Stoke-on-Trent-headquartered company has invested in MSD Accountants in Dublin in a deal that will give it a natural bridge to serve clients operating across the EU.
The partnership will also provide a strong link into the United Kingdom for MSD clients already operating there.
James Beardmore, Chief Operating Officer of DJH, commented: “Dublin is one of the most significant financial hubs in Europe, with a strong economy, favourable corporate tax rate and, post-Brexit, it has become an increasingly attractive access point for UK firms looking to trade with the EU.
“We’ve aspired to have a presence in the city for a long time and MSD Accountants is the perfect fit with its reputation for fantastic service and specialisms in several aligned sectors for us.”
He continued: “Importantly, it gives DJH multinational service capability and EU regulatory compliance for UK clients looking at cross-border planning, tax efficient structures and expanding their European operations through an Irish presence.”
DJH, which is backed by private equity investor Tenzing, is aiming to become one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy and professional services firms.
It has completed 15 acquisitions in four years growing to become a team of 670 people.
In May, Daily Focus reported that it had doubled the size of its estate planning division by acquiring Beswicks Legal’s private wealth business.
DJH’s Chief Operating Officer James Beardmore said: “Our strong acquisition drive has now taken us into Dublin and our first aim is to increase organic growth with MSD Accountants by extending services to existing clients and attracting new ones.
“The partnership also gives us the perfect platform to target more M&A activity in Ireland.”
The 30-strong team at MSD Accountants will continue to be led by Richard Daly, Managing Partner and Brendan Murtagh, Head of Assurance, ensuring it’s ‘business as usual’.
Richard said: “It is fantastic to be joining the DJH group and all the additional expertise, enhanced capabilities and international reach that comes with it.
“We are delighted with the partnership. The two businesses share similar values of trust, transparency, quality and client service. Joining DJH will benefit our existing clients through enhanced infrastructure and, for our clients operating in the UK, we will now have a full-service integrated offering there.”
