35% of firms plan to expand

A THIRD of Irish businesses are planning to expand — via merger or acquisition (M&A) — this year, according to a new survey.

The latest International Business Report (IBR), from international accountancy and financial consultancy giant Grant Thornton, shows a significant upsurge in business confidence in Ireland with 35% of Irish business owners planning M&A activity during 2011 — 6% more than at this time last year.

“After two very difficult years for Irish businesses and the Irish economy we’re starting to see more confidence with business owners,” according to Michael Neary, corporate finance partner at Grant Thornton Ireland.