Buying a Business in Ireland
Helping you buy the right business, not inherit the wrong problems.
RICHARD OSHEA CONSULTANCY
Understand the Financial Risks Before You Commit
Buying a business can be one of the quickest ways to grow, but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. The purchase price is only part of the story. Hidden tax liabilities, VAT issues, payroll exposure, and inaccurate financial records can all affect the true value of the business.
Financial due diligence helps uncover these risks before contracts are signed. It gives you a clearer understanding of what you’re buying and whether the deal is structured in the most tax-efficient way.
We help buyers assess the financial position of a business, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions before committing, so you can move forward with confidence.
FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE
What buying a business advisory actually involves
Business acquisition advice from an accountant isn’t the same as legal due diligence.
While your solicitor focuses on contracts, warranties, and legal protection, we focus on the financial and tax implications of the transaction.
That means reviewing whether the business is financially sound, identifying potential tax and VAT exposures, assessing whether the asking price reflects the underlying performance of the business, and advising on the most appropriate acquisition structure.
The earlier we’re involved, the more opportunities there are to identify risks, improve the transaction structure, and help you make informed decisions before the deal progresses.
what's included
How We Help You Buy with Confidence
Before you commit to a purchase, we help determine whether the opportunity makes commercial and financial sense.
Our advisory includes:
• Business valuation considerations
• Reviewing the proposed purchase price
• Asset purchase versus share purchase comparisons
• Tax and cash flow modelling
• Identifying financial risks requiring further investigation
Financial due diligence goes beyond reviewing the filed accounts.
We assess whether the financial information accurately reflects the underlying business and identify risks that may not be immediately visible.
This includes reviewing:
• Corporation Tax compliance
• VAT registrations and historic VAT treatment
• Payroll, PAYE and PRSI compliance
• Management accounts and financial reporting
• Cash flow trends
• Historic liabilities and contingent risks
The way a business acquisition is structured can have a significant impact on tax, future liabilities, and the overall cost of the purchase.
We advise on:
• Asset purchase versus share purchase
• VAT Transfer of Business (TOB) relief
• Stamp duty implications
• Goodwill treatment
• Capital allowances
• Director remuneration planning after completion
• Corporation Tax considerations for the acquiring business
Getting the structure right before completion is almost always simpler and more cost-effective, than restructuring afterwards.
Completion isn't the end of the process.
It's the beginning of operating the business successfully.
We continue to support clients with:
• Accounting system implementation
• Bookkeeping
• Payroll
• VAT registrations
• Corporation Tax planning
• Monthly management accounts
• Annual accounts and ongoing compliance
CONTACT US
Thinking about buying a business?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. The right advice before you commit can make all the difference. Talk to us before contracts are signed.
what's included
Who is this service for
Whether you're buying your first business or expanding through acquisition, professional financial advice can help you understand the risks before you commit.
WHAT WE REVIEW
Common risks we help buyers identify
Every business acquisition is different, but the same issues appear time and time again.
Financial due diligence is designed to uncover these risks before they become your responsibility after completion.
Hidden tax liabilities
Historic Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, or other compliance issues aren’t always obvious from the accounts. Identifying these early helps you understand the true financial position of the business.
Financial performance
Filed accounts only tell part of the story. We review profitability trends, management information, and cash flow to understand how the business is really performing.
Business valuation
An asking price should reflect the underlying value of the business—not simply turnover or recent profits. We help you assess whether the valuation is commercially reasonable.
Transaction structure
The structure of the deal affects tax, future liabilities, and overall cost. We advise on whether an asset purchase or share purchase is the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.
Post-acquisition planning
Buying the business is only the beginning. We help ensure the financial systems, tax registrations, reporting processes, and compliance obligations are in place from day one.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
Trusted by businesses across Ireland
Real feedback from business owners we've worked with.
Your Proactive Accountant
Meet Richard OShea
Richard OShea is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser based in Cork, advising SMEs, owner-managed businesses, and growing companies across Ireland.
Business acquisition advisory is an important part of how we support clients making significant commercial decisions. Our role is to help buyers understand the financial implications of a transaction before commitments are made, providing practical advice from the initial review through to post-completion support.
We advise buyers across a wide range of sectors, including construction, professional services, retail, and other owner-managed businesses.
If you’re already a client, we can build on our understanding of your business to provide more tailored advice and a smoother acquisition process.
NEED TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions from business owners considering this service.
Yes. Involving an accountant early allows you to assess financial risks, review the purchase structure, and make informed decisions before contracts are signed.
An asset purchase involves buying selected business assets while generally leaving historic liabilities with the seller.
A share purchase involves acquiring the company itself, including its existing rights, obligations, and potential historic liabilities.
The most suitable structure depends on the circumstances of the transaction.
In some situations, Transfer of Business (TOB) relief may apply, meaning VAT is not charged on the transaction.
Whether this applies depends on the specific facts of the acquisition, and advice should be obtained before completion.
Financial due diligence is a structured review of the target business's financial position, tax compliance, and commercial performance.
It helps buyers understand potential risks, validate financial information, and make informed decisions before completing the purchase.
Ideally before signing Heads of Terms or paying a deposit.
Early advice provides the greatest opportunity to influence the structure of the transaction and identify risks before they become your responsibility.
For many SME acquisitions, financial due diligence can be completed within one to three weeks once the required information has been received.
The exact timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the transaction.
Yes. We regularly work alongside solicitors and other professional advisers.
While your solicitor focuses on the legal aspects of the transaction, we provide financial and tax advice to help ensure the acquisition is structured appropriately and potential financial risks are identified before completion.
GET STARTED
Thinking about buying a business?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. The right advice before you commit can make all the difference. Talk to us before contracts are signed.
