Business Valuation Before Exit: What Drives Price in the Irish Market
For Irish business owners planning an exit, valuation is often the most important and most misunderstood element of the process. Many assume that a profitable business will automatically achieve a strong price. In reality, buyers look beyond headline profit figures and focus on a range of factors that determine both value and risk. One of […]
Avoiding Shareholder Disputes: Governance Steps Every SME Should Take
Shareholder disputes can be one of the most damaging challenges an SME faces. In many Irish businesses, ownership is concentrated among a small group of founders, family members or investors. While this can create strong alignment in the early stages, differences in expectations often emerge as the business grows. Without proper governance, these differences can […]
Planning Your Exit in 2026: Where Irish Business Owners Should Begin
For many Irish business owners, exiting a company represents one of the most important financial events of their career. Whether the intention is to retire, sell to a third party or transfer ownership to the next generation, a successful exit rarely happens by accident. In 2026, early and structured planning is essential to maximise value […]
Preparing for Share Transfers: Tax and Legal Considerations for Shareholders
Transferring shares in a company is a significant step for any business owner. Whether the transfer is part of succession planning, bringing in new investors or restructuring ownership, it carries both tax and legal implications. In 2026, Irish shareholders must approach share transfers with careful planning to ensure the process is efficient and compliant. One […]
Company Secretarial Compliance: Key Filing Deadlines Directors Cannot Miss
For Irish company directors, staying on top of company secretarial obligations is not optional. Compliance with filing deadlines is a core responsibility, and failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, reputational damage and, in some cases, legal consequences. In 2026, with increased focus on transparency and governance, maintaining accurate and timely filings is […]
Dividend Planning in 2026: What Irish Company Owners Should Consider
For many Irish company owners, dividends remain a key method of extracting profits from their business. While dividends can offer flexibility, effective planning is essential to ensure they are paid in a tax efficient and compliant manner. In 2026, with ongoing changes in tax rules and economic conditions, careful dividend planning has become even more […]
Personal Guarantees and Directors: Understanding the Financial Exposure
For many Irish SME directors, securing finance is a necessary step in growing a business. Whether funding expansion, purchasing equipment or managing cash flow, lenders often require more than the company’s assets as security. This is where personal guarantees come into play. While they can unlock access to finance, they also create significant personal financial […]
Protecting Minority Shareholders: Governance Best Practice for SMEs
In many Irish SMEs, ownership is shared between a small number of founders, investors or family members. While majority shareholders often control strategic decisions, minority shareholders still hold important rights and interests in the business. Protecting these interests through good governance is essential for maintaining trust, stability and long term success. Minority shareholders typically hold […]
The Risks of Director’s Loans: What Revenue and the CRO Expect
Director’s loans are a common feature of many Irish SMEs. In smaller companies, the line between personal and business finances can sometimes become blurred, particularly where directors inject funds into the business or withdraw money during the year. While director’s loans can provide flexibility, they also carry important tax and compliance risks if not properly […]
Extracting Profits Tax Efficiently: Salary, Dividends or Pension Contributions?
For many business owners, generating profit is only part of the financial equation. The next question is how to extract those profits from the company in the most tax efficient way. In Ireland, SME directors commonly use a combination of salary, dividends and pension contributions to access profits. Each option has different tax implications, and […]
