
Unlock Growth Opportunities with Smarter Acquisitions
TARGETED RESEARCH & EXECUTION FOR STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS ACROSS IRELAND & THE UK
We help business owners in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London, and across Ireland and the UK navigate the complexities of selling their companies. With a strategic, hands-on approach, we position businesses for maximum value, competitive buyer interest, and seamless deal execution in the Irish and UK M&A market.
SERVICE: BUY-SIDE M&A ADVISORY
ACQUIRING BUSINESSES IN IRELAND OR THE UK
Gain the Edge with Off-market Access & Competitive Bidding Strategies
We tailor each acquisition strategy to what will create the strongest outcome whether that’s pursuing an exclusive off-market deal or winning in a competitive bid. With sharp positioning, strategic outreach, and hands-on negotiation, we help you secure the right deal at the right time.
Target Identification
We source acquisition targets across key sectors in Ireland and the UK.
Due Diligence
Our experts evaluate target businesses for financial stability and strategic fit.
Valuation Analysis
We assess market positioning and potential value across industries in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and London.
CASE STUDY
From Strategy to Full Exit: Building a €50M TIC Leader in 18 Months
Client Snapshot
A private equity firm was seeking to acquire a build a market leading player in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space.
Industry
Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance Services
Revenue
€50m Revenue / 25% EBITDA Margin
Region
US & UK​
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Region Founder/Owner led:
Private Equity Owned
Stage:
Scaling / Exiting
Approach:
Our professional services firm approached the private equity firm with research around the opportunity to create a market leading company in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space. We engaged with them to build this business via M&A from scratch
The Challenge​
The company had solid performance but faced challenges in:
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The private equity firm didn’t own any businesses in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space previously and so it would be difficult to impress upon their knowledge, experience and appetite to build a market leading player in a relatively short time
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The private equity firm didn’t have any operational experience or expertise in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space that could be leveraged / relied upon
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The key challenge was to prove the private equity firm’s credibility in the space
Vico's Involvement ​​​
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Vico Advisory carried out the following activities to build up the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services business:
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Identified and hired a senior executive who had 25 years’ experience operating businesses in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space
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Worked with that senior executive to create an M&A strategy including identifying specific businesses in targeted sub-sectors
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Approached and successfully completed 5 M&A transactions across USA, UK and Ireland resulting in a group of businesses that generated revenues of over €50m
The Results
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Within approximately 18 months of beginning the exercise to build this business, the private equity firm owned 5 businesses in the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services space that collectively generated revenues of over €50m
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The senior executive hired to run this business on behalf of the private equity firm successfully completed an MBO to acquire the collective business from the private equity firm which resulted in a strong return on investment
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Deal closed with full exit without any earn-out clauses
Insights
The Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance services industry is a large fragmented one with a small number of large players. Where that exists, there is always opportunities for consolidators with deep pockets.

STRATEGIC ACQUISITION PLANNING IN IRELAND OR THE UK
Win the Right Deal with a Strategy Built for You
Finding and securing the right M&A opportunity in Ireland and the UK requires deep market insight and strategic execution. Our in-depth research, hands-on negotiation, and tailored approach ensure that you acquire businesses that align with your vision.
