Forward planning by management team holds key to any successful M&A deal
The management team in a mid-sized company should seek expert advice to ensure due diligence when engaging in M&A talks. Picture: iStock
Trusted advisors play a critical role in guiding all parties in a deal, advises of PJ O’Driscoll & Sons solicitors
The Irish market in mergers and acquisitions is looking strong in 2026 and PJ O’Driscoll & Sons LLP (PJOD) has become a key adviser to the mid-market companies driving this momentum.
The firm’s corporate and commercial team has long been recognised for its deep sectoral insight, pragmatic deal execution and ability to guide clients through increasingly complex transactions.
Today, those capabilities matter more than ever as Ireland’s mid-sized businesses take centre stage in the national and cross-border deal landscape.
Justin Fennell, who leads the firm’s corporate team, notes that much of the M&A activity is focused on Ireland’s mid-sized, founder-led companies. Many of these businesses — often family-owned or entrepreneur-driven — have reached an inflection point.
Founders are seeking growth capital, succession solutions, or strategic partnerships to scale internationally. This shift has created a fertile environment for both buyers and investors and shows an increasing trend for independent businesses to be acquired by larger conglomerates and private equity firms.
He advises his clients that the key to a successful deal is for the management team to plan well ahead, appoint an internal team to deal with due diligence and engage experienced external professional advisers early.
It can be particularly challenging for a management team in a mid-sized company to both deal with the often intense demands of a due diligence process while simultaneously handling the ongoing demands of running the business.
- Assessing the terms of any shareholders agreement, making sure all shareholders are on board.
- Reviewing the provisions of any contracts in place with key suppliers, key customers, licensors or franchisors, looking in particular at any change of control clauses.
- Reviewing any leasing arrangements, whether for premises or for plant and equipment and noting where personal guarantors need to be released.
- Engaging with lenders and with any other third parties whose consent may be required.
- Reviewing employee details and ensuing a full suite of contracts are in place for all employees.
- Assessing whether the transaction is notifiable to the Competition Authority and if so, preparing the necessary submissions.
Private equity and institutional capital remain highly active in the Irish M&A space, with funds increasingly targeting companies that have strong fundamentals but require capital or strategic support to unlock their next phase of growth. PJOD’s corporate team has been advising both founders and investors on these transactions, helping structure deals that balance ambition with long-term stability.
Several sectors are experiencing sustained consolidation as businesses see competitive advantage and operational resilience. These include technology, healthcare, professional services, agri-business and renewables among the most active areas of deal flow.
In a deal environment defined by complexity, the role of trusted advisors has never been more important. The key for the legal team is to create a collaborative model, working closely with accountants, bankers, consultants and sector experts, ensure clients receive holistic, commercially grounded advice.
