Moore Kingston Smith expands into Northern Ireland

Moore Kingston Smith has continued its consolidation across the island of Ireland, with the acquisition of a Belfast-headquartered audit and advisory firm. The purchase of Moore Northern Ireland – part of the same international network as Moore Kingston Smith – mirrors a move the firm made a year before in Dublin.

The London wing of Moore in the UK, Moore Kingston Smith boasts over 70 partners and more than 700 people based in and around the capital city. Following investment from European private equity firm Waterland, Moore Kingston Smith moved to launch in Ireland, with the purchase of Irish accounting and advisory firm Moore. Also a member of the international Moore network, which boasts offices in Cork and Dublin, the deal saw Moore Kingston Smith add 11 partners and 135 people to its headcount.

One year later, a similar arrangement has seen Moore Kingston Smith confirm the acquisition of Moore Northern Ireland. With offices in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry, the deal brings a further seven partners and 100 people to Moore Kingston Smith, helping to provide accountancy and advisory services to individuals, entrepreneurs, large organisations and complex international businesses across Ireland.

Nigel Thompson, senior partner at Moore Northern Ireland, commented, “Joining Moore Kingston Smith, a fellow Moore member firm and champion of SMEs, is a forward-looking move I’m pleased to see. We have long served the OMB sector, evolving with it, and this is a natural step given the direction of the market, which further strengthens our position as a leading adviser.”

The deal is the fourth Moore Kingston Smith has confirmed since its private equity investment. It’s also the second to take place with new managing partner since the firm announced a merger with hospitality specialist WMT in June 2024 – leading to Matt Meadows taking the helm.

Meadows, managing partner of Moore Kingston Smith, commented, “As longstanding members of the Moore Global network, we’ve enjoyed an excellent relationship with Moore Northern Ireland having worked with them closely over the years. This partnership brings us closer and enhances our ability to bring further opportunities to our clients. Together, we’ll combine our strengths, forge stronger business links and adopt best practices across our firms to their benefit.”