Mentora Group-backed firm HLB acquires OMB Chartered Accountants, adding 500 clients and strengthening expertise in key growth sectors.
HLB Ireland has revealed plans to create 150 jobs over the next three years as part of an ambitious expansion strategy across the island of Ireland, while separately announcing the acquisition of Galway-based OMB Chartered Accountants.
The move marks HLB Ireland’s first acquisition of an accountancy practice west of the Shannon and significantly expands its presence in the region.
“OMB brings an experienced team, long-standing client relationships and deep expertise across food manufacturing, construction, medical devices and private clients”
OMB Chartered Accountants brings approximately 500 clients and specialist expertise in sectors including food manufacturing, construction, medical devices and private client services.
HLB Ireland is part of Mentora Group, which currently employs 200 people across HLB Ireland and managed technology services business FutureRange. The group said it intends to add a further 150 employees through a combination of direct recruitment, investment in existing operations and future acquisitions.
The acquisition strengthens HLB Ireland’s footprint in Galway while broadening the range of services available to OMB clients. Through Mentora Group, clients will have access to accounting and audit services, tax consulting, advisory, corporate finance, technology, AI enablement and cybersecurity expertise, alongside the resources of HLB’s international network.
Expertise and scale
Mark Butler, Managing Partner of HLB Ireland and CEO of Mentora Group, said the transaction represents an important milestone in the group’s broader growth strategy.
“This acquisition is about much more than establishing a presence in Galway. OMB brings an experienced team, long-standing client relationships and deep expertise across food manufacturing, construction, medical devices and private clients. These are important sectors for Mentora Group, and the combination strengthens both the expertise and scale we can bring to existing and new clients.”
He added: “It also marks our first accountancy acquisition west of the Shannon and builds on our existing client base in the region. Our plan to add 150 people over the next three years reflects our wider ambition to invest in our teams, deepen our specialist capabilities and build a genuinely all-island professional services business.”
OMB Chartered Accountants has built its business around long-established client relationships and a strong presence in the west of Ireland. Under the new ownership structure, the firm will continue serving clients locally while gaining access to the broader capabilities available through Mentora Group.
John O’Beirn, Partner at OMB Chartered Accountants, said the deal would benefit both clients and employees.
“OMB Chartered Accountants has built its business through long-standing client relationships and a detailed understanding of the sectors in which those clients operate.”
He continued: “Joining HLB Ireland and Mentora Group allows us to retain the personal service our clients value while giving them access to a much wider range of financial, advisory and technology expertise. It also creates exciting new opportunities for our people as we begin the next stage of our growth.”
The announcement comes at a time when the Irish professional services sector is experiencing continued consolidation, with firms seeking broader capabilities to support clients across financial, strategic and technology requirements.
Mentora Group, backed by Cardinal Capital, said it will continue to pursue organic growth opportunities and complementary acquisitions that align with its long-term strategy. The group said it is particularly interested in businesses with specialist sector expertise, strong client relationships and high-quality teams.
Image at top: Pictured following HLB Ireland’s acquisition of Galway-based OMB Chartered Accountants are Michael Flaherty, Director; Frank Murtagh, Consultant; John O’Beirn, Consultant; Bruce Stanley, Tax Consulting Partner, HLB Ireland; Mark Butler, Managing Partner of HLB Ireland and CEO of Mentora Group; and Finbarr Gantley, Director
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