BDO UK and BDO Ireland have entered the final stage of merger discussions, contingent on partner approval and clearance from regulatory bodies.
If the deal proceeds, it would combine the operations in Dublin and Limerick with the 18 offices in the UK, resulting in nearly £1.1bn ($1.4bn) of annual revenue.
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The unified firm would count 542 partners and 8,500 employees.
Representatives from both sides stated that clients are increasingly seeking guidance on cross-border matters, which has influenced the move towards integration of services and expertise.
The merger is expected to enhance collaboration across audit, tax, advisory, consulting, risk and outsourcing functions throughout both markets.
In addition, the combined firm intends to increase investment in its workforce.
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By GlobalDataUpon completion, the merged entity will remain within the BDO International network, which has presences in 166 countries and territories worldwide and employs more than 119,000 people in 1,800 offices.
The discussions are ongoing and will be concluded following the necessary votes and regulatory review.
BDO UK managing partner Mark Shaw said: “This would be a landmark merger for both firms and demonstrates the ambition we have for our business, our people and our clients.
“Our client heartland is the ambitious, growing and entrepreneurial mid-market. These businesses are increasingly looking for support on a range of cross-border issues. In this environment, where markets are more inter-dependent than ever, it makes sense that we look at ways to collaborate even more closely with our international colleagues – hence this proposed merger.”
BDO Ireland managing partner Brian McEnery stated: “We have been discussing a merger built on a foundation of shared culture. From the start of our discussions, we agreed that a mutual commitment to our people, quality and integrity is as crucial to our long-term success as strategy and scale.
“BDO UK and Ireland have worked closely together for more than 40 years. For us, this is a logical step, one that is partner-led and brings us together as one team for the benefit of our people and our clients.”
