Shaw Gibbs expands into Irish market via strategic partnership with Crowleys DFK

L-R: James O'Connor (Crowleys DFK), Peter O'Connell (Shaw Gibbs), Eddie Murphy (Crowleys DFK)

Apiary portfolio company Shaw Gibbs has entered into a strategic partnership with Crowleys DFK, a leading accounting and business advisory firm based in Ireland.

Crowleys DFK has 14 partners and over 130 employees across its offices in Dublin and Cork. The partnership will broaden the enlarged group’s geographic footprint and expand the breadth of accountancy, advisory and associated business services it provides to SMEs in the UK and Ireland. 

This transaction represents the twelfth deal completed by Shaw Gibbs since Apiary Capital’s investment in November 2022. From its origins in Oxford, Shaw Gibbs has expanded both organically and through acquisition, growing to 70 partners and approximately 750 people across 20 offices throughout central and southern England and Ireland.

“We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Crowleys DFK team, sharing knowledge and business strategies as well as working together on client matters,” commented Peter O’Connell, CEO of Shaw Gibbs. “This collaboration paves the way for further investment into Crowleys DFK, supporting its growth and strengthening our shared commitment to Ireland’s robust and business-friendly landscape. We are very pleased to welcome them to the group.”

Chris Heawood, Investment Director at Apiary Capital, added, “We are proud to support Shaw Gibbs as it expands into Ireland. Crowleys DFK is a highly regarded accountancy and advisory firm that is well positioned to take advantage of the exciting growth opportunities in the Irish market.”