WEALTH October 22, 2025 0 Comments

HLB’s Bold Play: Why Snapping Up Peter Daly Chartered Accountants Could Reshape the Arts Finance Landscape Forever

Ever wonder what happens when the worlds of sharp financial acumen and theatrical flair collide? Well, HLB Ireland just upped the ante in the arts and entertainment sector by acquiring Peter Daly Chartered Accountants—bringing together not just numbers, but narratives. This move isn’t just another notch on their belt; it’s their ninth acquisition in seven years, catapulting their team to 120 professionals and nearly 225 creatives, including award-winning artists. Backed by Cardinal Capital, HLB’s ambitious plan to triple its size within five years is no small feat, especially as they vie for a spot among Ireland’s top 10 professional services firms. With Peter Daly’s unique dual expertise—as a celebrated stage actor and a savvy accountant—HLB Ireland isn’t just crunching numbers; they’re redefining how specialist advice can resonate deeply with the artistic community. Curious how this fusion of finance and flair will shape the industry’s future? LEARN MORE

Accounting, audit and advisory firm HLB Ireland has expanded its arts and entertainment client services division with the acquisition of Peter Daly Chartered Accountants.

The takeover of the specialist practice advising artists, performers and creative professionals is HLB’s ninth acquisition in the past seven years.

The deal brings HLB’s headcount to 120 professionals and approximately 225 clients into its private client division, including Irish Times Theatre Award, IFTA and BAFTA winners.

Backed by Cardinal Capital, HLB is aiming to treble its size in five years and secure a place among Ireland’s top 10 professional services firms.

“With this deal, HLB Ireland becomes one of the select Irish professional services firms with a dedicated focus on the arts and entertainment sector,” said Mark Butler, managing partner of HLB Ireland.

“It’s a fast-growing part of our private client business and an area where specialist advice really matters.

“We are delighted to welcome Peter Daly and his clients – his dual experience as an accountant and a leading stage actor and writer gives him a perspective few in our profession can match.”

Alongside his accountancy career, Peter Daly has worked extensively as an actor.

Most recently, he starred in Lost Lear, which won the Scotsman Fringe First Award at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, one of the festival’s most prestigious honours.

Daly, founder of Peter Daly Chartered Accountants, said: “Artists face unique challenges – one year you’re on a film set abroad dealing with complex withholding tax, the next your income drops but the tax bill doesn’t.

HLB Ireland has made Peter Daly Chartered Accountants its ninth acquisition in seven years.

“As both an accountant and an actor, I understand those realities.

“By joining HLB Ireland, my clients keep that personal support but gain the scale, expertise and resources of a Top 10 firm in the making.”

Photo: (l-r) Susan Rice, Associate Director, Niamh Woodcock, Associate Director; Peter Daly, Partner; Bruce Stanley, Partner; Cathy Daly, Accounts Assistant; and Rosie Stefkova, Associate at HLB Ireland. (Pic: Supplied)