AAB, the UK professional services firm backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, has completed three strategic investments in Ireland, acquiring Dublin-based FM Accountants and Hugh McCarthy & Associates alongside Carlow firm LSMQ. The transactions bring AAB's annual revenue in Ireland above €25 million and its headcount to more than 250 professionals.

The Irish Independent reported that FM Accountants and LSMQ will rebrand as AAB, whilst Garrett McCarthy and his team at Hugh McCarthy & Associates are also joining the firm.

The expansion follows AAB's January acquisition of Cork-based chartered accountants O'Connor Pyne & Co. In January 2024, the firm invested in Ormsby & Rhodes to strengthen its international presence and access the European market, pushing AAB past the £100 million (€114 million) revenue mark.

Colm Duggan, formerly a partner in Ormsby & Rhodes and now head of professional services at AAB Ireland, said the Irish investments "reflect [AAB's] ambition to build a genuinely partner-led, full-service professional advisory firm in Ireland".

He added: "There is significant opportunity in the Irish market for firms that want to retain their identity and leadership while benefiting from shared infrastructure, investment and international reach. Our approach is collaborative and long-term, and we are continuing to engage with like-minded practices across the country."

John O'Shea, co-founder of LSMQ, said joining AAB allowed the firm to maintain its focus on clients "while gaining the benefits of shared knowledge, specialisms and experiences".

AAB employs more than 1,800 people worldwide across 23 locations throughout the UK and Ireland. The firm's continued expansion in Ireland forms part of its broader professional services platform build-out, supported by private equity investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

Discover how AAB's Irish expansion strategy is reshaping the accountancy sector through strategic consolidation and partnership investments.