Buying a Business in Ireland
Expert Accounting, Tax & Due Diligence Support for Buyers
Buying a business is one of the most significant financial decisions a business owner can make. It involves complex tax, VAT, payroll, and compliance issues that often only become clear after completion, unless they are reviewed properly in advance.
At Richard OShea Consultancy, we help buyers navigate every stage of a business acquisition in Ireland, ensuring you understand the risks, structure the deal tax-efficiently, and avoid inheriting unexpected liabilities.
What Is Buying a Business Advisory?
Buying a business advisory is a specialist service that supports buyers through the financial, tax, and compliance aspects of acquiring an existing company. This goes beyond legal due diligence and focuses on the real risks that can affect value after completion, including:
- Corporation Tax and historic tax risk reviews
- VAT structuring, including Transfer of Business relief
- Asset vs share purchase structuring
- Accounting and tax setup after completion
In practice, this means helping you interpret the numbers, not just the contracts, so you can make an informed decision before you commit.
We’ve also written a detailed guide explaining the key steps, tax issues, and common mistakes buyers make when acquiring a business in Ireland.
Who We Help
This service is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs acquiring their first business
- SMEs expanding by acquisition
- Investors taking on existing operations
- Owner-managed companies replacing or retiring founders
- Buyers who want clarity and control before committing to a purchase
Whether you are evaluating a deal, negotiating price, or preparing to complete, we tailor our advice to your situation.
What’s Included in Service
We take a structured, practical approach covering all key areas buyers need to review:
Pre-Purchase Advisory
- Asset vs Share purchase structuring
- Business valuation considerations
- Tax and cashflow modelling
- Risk identification and exposure analysis
Financial Due Diligence
- Corporation Tax compliance checks
- Review of VAT position and historic returns
- Payroll, PAYE and PRSI compliance
- Analysis of management accounts vs filed accounts
Transaction Structuring
- Advice on VAT Transfer of Business (TOB) relief
- Stamp duty implications
- Impact on post-completion accounts
- Director remuneration planning post-purchase
Post-Completion Support
- Accounting system setup and reliability review
- VAT and payroll registrations
- Corporation Tax planning and compliance
- Ongoing reporting and advisory support
We make sure that your transition into ownership is smooth, compliant, and structured for tax efficiency.
Why Choose Richard OShea Consultancy?
- Practical, Commercial Advice
We focus on real-world impacts, not just theory. Our advice is designed to help you make better commercial decisions, not just tick compliance boxes.
- Protect Your Investment
By addressing hidden tax and payroll risks early, we help avoid liabilities that can cost thousands after completion.
- Experience Across Sectors
We work with buyers in services, construction, tech, retail, and professional practices, providing insight that goes beyond numbers.
- Ongoing Support
Our involvement doesn’t stop at purchase. We help you embed good accounting and compliance systems from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an accountant when buying a business in Ireland?
Yes, an accountant helps identify tax risks, assess profitability, and advise on optimal deal structure before you commit.
Can VAT be avoided when buying a business?
In some asset sales, Transfer of Business (TOB) relief may apply, so VAT is not charged, but this depends on specific conditions.
What’s the difference between asset and share purchase?
Asset purchases let you pick which assets and liabilities you take on. Share purchases transfer to the whole company, including historic tax exposures.
When should I get advice?
Before signing heads of terms or paying a deposit, ideally early in the negotiation phase.
Get Started with Buying a Business Advisory
Buying a business involves more than agreeing on a price. The right advice helps you avoid hidden risks and make informed decisions.
Book a discovery call to discuss your plans and see how we can support you through the process.
