WEALTH July 2, 2026 0 Comments

BDO’s Bold €1.26bn Merger: The Game-Changing Move That’s Shaking Up Advisory Business Worldwide!

What happens when two powerhouses in accountancy and business advisory finally lock arms? Well, for BDO UK and BDO Ireland, it’s not just a handshake—it’s the birth of one of Europe’s mid-market giants. Set to officially merge on July 4th, these firms are not just combining offices from Dublin and Limerick with 17 UK locations—they’re weaving together ambitions, expertise, and a vision to reshape how business gets done across the UK and Ireland. Imagine nearly €1.26 billion in annual revenue powering a team of 8,500 strong, all focused on making your business thrive. But here’s the kicker—this isn’t just about scale; it’s about accelerating growth, embracing tech like AI, and doubling down on talent. Mark Shaw and Brian McEnery are steering this ship with a shared culture that’s more than just talk. So, could this be the next big leap in the accountancy world that answers the call for closer international collaboration and smarter, future-ready services? Hang tight, because BDO’s new chapter might just be the blueprint others will scramble to follow. LEARN MORE

BDO UK and BDO Ireland are set to complete their merger this weekend, creating one of Europe’s largest accountancy and business advisory firms focused on the mid-market.

The merger becomes effective on 4 July, coinciding with the start of the firms’ new financial year, and will combine BDO Ireland‘s offices in Dublin and Limerick with BDO UK’s existing network of 17 locations.

The enlarged business will generate almost €1.26bn (£1.1bn) in annual revenue and employ around 8,500 people, including approximately 500 partners.

The deal is also expected to accelerate BDO Ireland’s growth ambitions, with the firm aiming to double in size over the next five years while increasing its partner numbers from 43 to 70.

The merger formalises a long-standing relationship between the two firms, which have collaborated for years on cross-border client work, talent exchanges and sector initiatives.

The combined organisation said the move will strengthen its ability to support businesses operating across the UK and Ireland while expanding its capabilities across audit, tax, deals, consulting, risk and outsourcing services.

Mark Shaw will continue as UK Managing Partner of the enlarged organisation, while Brian McEnery will remain Regional Managing Partner in Ireland.

Shaw said the merger reflects changing demands within the accountancy profession and the growing importance of international collaboration.

“The accountancy profession is transforming to reflect changing client needs and the desire for closer international working.

“At the same time, advances in technology and AI are changing the way businesses operate and the expectations they place on their advisers.

“Bringing BDO UK and BDO Ireland together is our response to that shift, creating greater scale, capability and investment capacity for the future.

“Today marks an important milestone in that journey and the beginning of the next chapter of our growth story.”

McEnery said clients and employees would both benefit from the increased scale of the combined business.

“This is a merger built on a foundation of shared culture and mutual respect. Clients will gain access to a wider network of specialists across the UK and Ireland, while our people will benefit from greater opportunities for collaboration, development and long-term growth.

“Together, we are building a stronger platform for our clients, our colleagues and our future.”

Mark Shaw, Managing Partner of BDO UK; Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke; and Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, outside BDO’s Dublin office, to mark the merger of BDO UK and BDO Ireland.

The merged organisation said it will continue investing in client services, digital capabilities, quality and talent development as it expands its presence across both markets.

The firm will remain part of the global BDO International network, which generates annual revenues of US$11bn and operates across 169 countries and territories through more than 870 offices employing over 95,000 people.

Photo: Brian McEnery, Managing Partner at BDO Ireland and Mark Shaw, Managing Partner of BDO UK unveil a plaque at BDO’s Dublin office to mark the merger of BDO UK and BDO Ireland.