Shaw Gibbs, a UK-based top 35 accountancy and business advisory firm, has officially entered the Irish market via a strategic partnership with Crowleys DFK, one of Ireland’s leading accountancy and advisory firms. 

This marks Shaw Gibbs’ first expansion outside the UK and strengthens its cross-border services. Crowleys DFK operates 14 partners and 131 employees across Dublin and Cork, providing accountancy, advisory, and associated services for over 50 years.

The partnership is supported by further strategic investment from Apiary Capital, enhancing Crowleys DFK’s capabilities in learning and development, technology, and succession planning. Both firms are members of DFK International, a global alliance of accounting firms with over 430 offices across 90 countries.

Peter O’Connell, CEO of Shaw Gibbs, highlighted that the partnership builds on years of collaboration and enables investment into Crowleys DFK to drive growth and development in the stable Irish market.

“This partnership allows for an investment into the Crowleys DFK business and team to achieve further growth, development and investment into the geopolitically stable and business-friendly Irish market,” O’Connell said.

James O’Connor, Managing Partner of Crowleys DFK, emphasised that while daily operations and client relationships remain unchanged, the partnership strengthens the firm’s foundation, supports sustainable growth, and positions both firms for future success.

“With our strengthened connection to the Shaw Gibbs Group and the financial support from its Investor, we are well-positioned to build on our success and shape the next chapter of our firm’s evolution,” O’Connor said.

Since Apiary Capital’s investment in 2022, this marks the 12th transaction for Shaw Gibbs. The addition of Crowleys DFK increases the Group to 70 partners and 747 staff across 20 offices in Central & Southern England and Ireland, reinforcing its accountancy and advisory footprint.

Discover how Shaw Gibbs’ Irish expansion could reshape cross-border accountancy services in the press release.

(Photo credits to Crowleys DFK’s official website)