Rising costs and inflation sees notable decline in Irish M&A activity

Despite growing interest in Irish firms by multinationals, less than 200 deals were completed in the first half of 2023, compared with 226 in the first six months of 2022

The financial services sector saw the most M&A activity, with a number of professional services currently experiencing consolidation across the country. 

A year of rising interest rates, sticky inflation and soaring energy prices has resulted in a notable decline in Irish merger and acquisition activity which has fallen by 12% compared to the same period last year.

In a report published by private equity firm, Renatus, it found that despite growing interest in Irish firms by foreign multinationals, less than 200 deals were completed in the first six months of 2023, compared with 226 in the first half of 2022.