Corporate adviser Azets Ireland to combine with PKF O'Connor

Merger will create one of the top 10 largest professional services firms in Ireland, companies say

Pictured, (From L – R) Donal O’Leary, Managing Partner PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes; Susan Wylie, Audit & Business Services Partner PKF O'Connor, Leddy & Holmes; Neil Hughes, CEO Azets Ireland; Alma O’Brien, Head of Tax Azets Ireland, pictured in Dublin Pic:Naoise Culhane Photography

Corporate advisory firm Azets Ireland is set to merge with PKF O'Connor, Leddy and Holmes, in a combined group that will double its business and in time increase its total staff to 400 people, the companies have said. 

The new business, which will operate under the Azets name, has plans to recruit more staff by the end of next year. The merger will create one of the top 10 largest professional services firms in Ireland, they said. 

Neil Hughes will stay as chief executive of Azets Ireland, while Donal O’Leary, who is managing partner at PKF O’Connor, is set to become chairman of the combined group. 

Azets Ireland specialises in audit, due diligence, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, tax, restructuring, corporate governance, and fund management. 

PKF O’Connor, with 100 staff at its operations in Dublin and Waterford, provides audit, accountancy, tax, and advisory services. 

Mr Hughes said the merger would change the landscape in Ireland for corporate services. 

“By combining our expertise and our teams of talented individuals, we are creating a firm of national scale that is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of Ireland’s entrepreneurial, owner-managed, and family-owned businesses," he said. 

Mr O'Leary said as economic growth cools companies "more than ever" require advisory services.