AAB grows Ireland presence with acquisitions of two accountancy firms

Goldman Sachs Alternatives-backed professional services firm AAB has expanded its presence in Ireland with the acquisitions of two accountancy firms. The acquisitions of Old Quarter Chartered Accountants and O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants represent AAB’s seventh and eighth investments in Ireland since 2025.

Operating from offices in Cork and Kerry, Old Quarter Chartered Accountants employs 26 staff and is led by partners Mark O’Keefe, Joe Foley and Diarmuid Kelleher. The company, which was founded in 2022, provides audit, tax, business advisory, payroll and company secretarial services to a growing SME client base.

County Cork-based O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants was founded in 1985 and is led by partner Killian O’Brien. The 13-strong company provides professional services, including a full suite of financial reporting, audit, tax, advisory and payroll, to businesses across Ireland.

Post-acquisition, both companies will relocate to AAB’s new 23,000 sq-ft office space at Barrack Square, Ballincollig, Cork. Following the completion of the deals, AAB will employ close to 300 people in Ireland, as well as more than 1,500 people across 17 locations.

Colm Duggan, head of Professional Services at AAB in Ireland, described the two acquisitions as “a clear signal of our continued momentum in the Irish market.”

Duggan continued: "We’re building scale at pace, but importantly, we’re doing it in a way that strengthens the quality of our client relationships and the depth of our expertise.”

"AAB is the partner of choice for Irish accountancy firms looking to grow and to enhance their offering to clients, bringing together the right people, insight and ambition to deliver real value for clients. We will continue to grow across Ireland and the UK both organically and by acquisition."

Old Quarter Chartered Accountants partner Mark O’Keefe said that joining AAB would enable the firm’s team to maintain its strong client relationships, “while providing our clients with access to broader expertise, greater resources and international reach.”

Killian O’Brien, of O’Brien Crowley Chartered Accountants, said: "Joining AAB will allow us to access the technological capabilities and expertise which comes with an international platform, providing opportunities for our clients and our people."

Find out more about the surge in accountancy sector M&A

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