DHKN, a leading professional services firm in the west of Ireland, has merged with Moore Ireland.

The deal marks the largest consolidation in the Irish mid-market accounting sector as well as the first major strategic investment by Moore Ireland following its merger with Moore Kingston Smith in 2023.

The DHKN merger is supported by Waterland Private Equity, which will provide further funding to DHKN and Moore Ireland to expand their capabilities in the Irish market.

Waterland previously invested in Moore Kingston Smith in London and Moore Northern Ireland, which will each provide leverage and technical expertise to DHKN and Moore Ireland.

The new company will instantly become one of the largest accounting firms in Ireland with a staff of more than 240 professionals, and clients of both companies will benefit from an expanded suite of professional services.

As part of the merger, DHKN's Stephen Crowley, Mark Gibbs, Brian Fallon, Robert Lohan and Maurice O'Shea will become partners in Moore Ireland.

Crowley and Gibbs will also take on senior leadership roles with Moore Ireland. Proinsias Kitt, a founding partner of DHKN, will continue as a consultant to Moore Ireland.

Commenting on the merger, Gibbs said: "Together, we are excited to merge our strengths, solutions, and sector knowledge to bolster our offering to clients and the many ways we support them.

"The merger also brings enhanced systems and greater career opportunities for our colleagues.”

Crowley added: “We would like to acknowledge and thank our former partners, our long-standing and current young, vibrant workforce for their efforts and dedication to DHKN over the last 15–20 years.

"Equally, we sincerely thank all of our clients who have remained loyal to and grown with DHKN over this period.

"Our partnership with Moore Ireland, in London and Belfast, and the wider international Moore network will provide us with a platform to further drive our growth and success into the future”.

The deal is part of an ambitious growth and expansion programme being undertaken by Moore Ireland as it seeks to expand its regional presence and sectoral expertise.

The company continues to broaden its range of service and now offers expertise in the media, not-for-profit, cybersecurity and ESG sectors.

“This is another transformational step for our business,” said Ned Murphy, managing partner of Moore Ireland.

“Our partnership with DHKN positions Moore to offer a compelling value proposition in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast and of course, supported by Moore Kingston Smith in London.

"Our links across these jurisdictions, with teams qualified to advise in Ireland, Northern Ireland. the UK, and mainland Europe, will provide our clients with a truly integrated service offering.

“The professional services landscape is dynamic and changing rapidly, and we are at the forefront of professional firms leading the way in Ireland.

"Coming together with DHKN repositions our overall presence, profile and standing in the mid-market segment of the Irish economy.

"We believe that the mid-market business sector in Ireland will be the key driving force of the broader Irish economy in the coming years."

Galway-based DHKN has 80 staff providing accountancy and advisory services to clients predominantly based in the west of Ireland. Accounts for DHKN Ltd show the company made a profit of €1.3m in 2023.

Founded in 1970, Moore Ireland has 14 partners and 160 staff at its offices in Dublin and Cork.

The company's core services include audit and tax compliance, business and personal tax planning, corporate finance, insolvency, corporate governance and forensic accounting.

Moore Kingston Smith has over 100 partners and more than 1,000 staff based in London and in Northern Ireland, and is part of Moore Global, which has 30,000 staff at 502 offices in 114 countries.

Photo: (l-r) Stephen Crowley, Ned Murphy, and Mark Gibbs. (Pic: Supplied)