Professional services firm Moore Ireland has agreed to merge with Dún Laoghaire-based HSOC to create "a new expanded entity in the mid-market accounting sector."
It is the second merger undertaken by Moore Ireland this year following its combination with Galway's DHKN in January, and the company expects the deal to strengthen its position as one of the largest accounting firms in Ireland.
The deal is supported by UK firm Moore Kingston Smith, which Moore Ireland merged with in 2023, and Waterland Private Equity, which will provide further funding for Moore's continued expansion.
The merger will bring the Moore Ireland team to 270 professionals with the addition of HSCO's 30 partners and staff, and enable clients from both firms to benefit from an expanded suite of services from Moore and HSOC, as well as Moore Kingston Smith and the Moore Global network.
Moore Kingston Smith has 1,400 staff in London and Northern Ireland, while the Moore Global network expands to 37,000 professionals at 234 firms in 116 countries.
Founded in 1970, HSOC has expertise in audit, accountancy, financial services, tax consultancy & compliance, outsourced services and company secretarial, and is widely recognised for its financial services advice.
As part of the merger, HSCO partners John O’Connell, Hugh McGeown, Simone Hennessy and Shane O’Connell will take senior leadership roles in Moore Ireland, which continues to pursue an ambitious growth programme to expand its regional presence and sectoral expertise.
Moore Ireland now offers services in media, non-profit, cybersecurity and the ESG sectors.
“This is the second transformational step for our business in 2025,” said Ned Murphy, managing partner of Moore Ireland.
“Following our successful merger with DHKN, the addition of HSOC positions Moore Ireland to offer a compelling value proposition in Dublin, Cork, Galway – while, of course, being supported by Moore Kingston Smith in London and Moore Northern Ireland in Belfast. Our connections across these jurisdictions will provide our clients with a truly integrated service offering."
Commenting on the merger, John O’Connell of HSOC said: “With Moore Ireland, we will be able to build and augment our practice and bring a wide range of new skills, competencies and market expertise to our clients, that will enhance our offering.
"The potential for financial services in particular is very exciting.”
(Pic: Chris Bellew/Fennells Photography)
