A Busy Year at the Deal Table: Holmes Corporate Transactions (Q1 – Q3) 2026

2026 has been a standout year for the Holmes corporate team. We’ve acted on a run of transactions spanning acquisitions, private equity investment and founder exits. The mix of clients has been wide: Irish businesses expanding through acquisition, shareholders realising the value they have built, and companies bringing in strategic capital for their next stage of growth. Here is a look back at some of the deals across the first three quarters of 2026, of which we were proud to be part.

Ei Electronics’ acquisition of CUBE

We advised Ei Electronics, Limerick-based global leader in the development and manufacture of home life safety solutions, on its acquisition of CUBE. The deal is a strong example of an established Irish business growing through targeted acquisition and as a native Limerick firm we are proud to act for a prestigious Limerick-based company.

Investment from Exponent in KTL

We advised the shareholders of KTL, a leading telecommunications and power infrastructure provider in Ireland and the UK, on the company’s investment from Exponent. It was a pleasure to be involved in this significant transaction and we wish the shareholders of KTL every success in their new chapter with Exponent going forward.

SYS acquisitions

We recently acted for SYS on its acquisition of CJK Financial Planning. This transaction follows SYS Financial's acquisitions of ODM Financial Advisers (Cork), IRS Financial Services (Wexford), Q Financial Advisers (formerly OMA Financial Services) (Galway), the financial services arm of Harney Chartered Accountants (Carlow) and other growth-focused acquisitions that have helped establish SYS Financial as one of Ireland's leading independent financial advisory businesses, surpassing €1 billion in assets under management in 2026. Holmes is proud to be a trusted partner on SYS’s buy-and-build strategy and looks forward to its continued growth throughout 2027.

Sale of Accutool Limited to Kaleidex Group

We advised the shareholders of Accutool Limited, a Dublin-based manufacturing company, on its sale to Kaleidex Group. Guiding owners through the sale of a business they have spent years building is a privilege, and we were delighted to support them through a successful exit.

Strategic investment in Spanish Point Technologies from Apiary Capital

We acted for Spanish Point Technologies Limited on its strategic investment from Apiary Capital. The transaction highlights the continued appetite of private equity investors for high-quality Irish technology businesses.

MacX3’s investment in Flowtech Engineering

We advised on MacX3’s investment in Flowtech Engineering. The deal is another example of investors backing well-run Irish engineering and industrial businesses with real growth potential.

Sale of Axis Environmental Services to Celnor Group

We advised on the sale of Limerick-based Axis Environmental Services to Celnor Group. We are particularly pleased to have supported a regional business on a deal of this kind, and it reflects the strength of the market outside Dublin.

Sale of Acel Energy to Entegro

We advised on the sale of Acel Energy to Entegro. The energy sector remains one of the most active areas of Irish M&A, and this transaction reflects strong buyer interest in businesses supporting the energy transition.

Looking ahead

Taken together, these transactions show the breadth of activity in the Irish market in 2026. That activity ranges from trade acquisitions and buy-and-build strategies to private equity backing and owner exits, across manufacturing, technology, financial services, engineering, energy and environmental services. We’d like to thank our clients for trusting us with these important milestones in their businesses. We look forward to further supporting our clients for the remainder of 2026 and throughout 2027.

It has been a privilege to support our clients at some of the most important milestones in their business journeys. We are grateful for the trust our clients place in us and proud of the role we have played in helping them achieve their strategic objectives.

Harry Fehily

Managing Partner