S&W has acquired MC2 Accountants, one of Cork’s largest independent accountancy practices, as part of its ongoing strategy to grow its presence in Ireland. The deal adds 47 staff, including four partners, to S&W’s Ireland business, which recently expanded through the acquisition of Dublin-based Beechwood Partners.

Founded in 2013 by Jim McCarthy and Seán McSweeney, MC2 has built a strong reputation in audit, tax, and advisory services across Munster. The firm also integrated Parfrey Murphy in 2022, strengthening its client portfolio across diverse industries. Its partners said joining S&W provides the infrastructure, scale, and multi-service capabilities needed to meet increasingly complex client demands.

S&W, established in 2005 and now employing more than 2,000 people and 130 partners across Ireland and the UK, is known for its focus on mid-market clients. The firm delivers a wide range of services including tax, assurance, restructuring, and forensic advisory. Managing partner John O’Callaghan said the deal marks a strategic foothold in Cork, describing the city as a key hub for business growth and innovation.

The acquisition comes amid a period of intensified consolidation in the professional services sector. Just a day before, HLB Ireland announced its ninth acquisition in seven years, acquiring Peter Daly Chartered Accountants to strengthen its specialisation in the arts and entertainment sector.

With sustained merger activity and private equity backing driving market realignment, firms like S&W and HLB Ireland are redefining how regional practices integrate into national and cross-border networks.

Find out how S&W’s Cork expansion positions it in Ireland’s rapidly consolidating accountancy market by reading the full story.