Acquisition activity in Irish sciences sector shifts to smaller deals

Some 17 companies successfully raised growth capital totalling €503m. This equates to a 254% increase in value terms compared to the €142m funding raised in 2023

Corporate finance partner at EY Ireland Fergal McAleavey said these investments will 'give these innovative companies the opportunity to continue to scale and build their businesses and bodes well for the continued growth of a vibrant life sciences industry here in Ireland'. File picture

The life sciences sector in Ireland saw a massive increase in the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2024,  but the combined value of these deals collapsed due to the absence of larger transactions, a new report shows.

The life sciences sector encompasses pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, as well as medical technology.