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ARTICLE · 23 FEBRUARY 2024

Irish M&A Review 2023

William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP
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William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP

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Against a global backdrop of negative economic and political news, Ireland's mergers and acquisitions market in 2023 proved itself to be resilient.

IrelandCorporate/Commercial Law
Stephen Keogh
Stephen Keogh
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Against a global backdrop of negative economic and political news, Ireland's mergers and acquisitions market in 2023 proved itself to be resilient.

The number of deals, at 334, was up 10% from 2022, comparing very favourably to the performance of the wider European (down 11.4%) and global markets (down 15.8%) for the year. On the other hand, the aggregate value of Irish M&A deals reached just €11.8bn, down 20% compared to 2022. It should be noted, however, that dealmaking in Ireland remains very healthy by historical (pre-Covid) standards.

Ireland's economy continues to be one of the best performing in Europe: the International Monetary Fund forecasts GDP growth of 1.5% and 2.7% in 2023 and 2024. That remains well ahead of most of our neighbours, even if growth is now slowing from the 12% average observed during 2021 and 2022.

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