News

Earn Outs and Deferred Consideration: Structuring a Smart Business Sale

3rd April 2026

Earn outs and deferred consideration are often presented as solutions to valuation gaps. In practice, they are compromises. They allow deals to proceed where buyer and seller expectations do not fully align.
Understanding the implications is critical.
An earn out links part of the sale price to futu…

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Family Business Succession: Managing Conflict and Protecting Value

2nd April 2026

Family businesses often carry strengths that other businesses do not. Strong relationships, long-term thinking and a shared sense of purpose can create resilience and stability. However, these same factors can introduce complexity when it comes to succession.
The challenge is not simply transferring…

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Breaking the Revenue Ceiling: Financial Barriers That Limit SME Growth

1st April 2026

At J McEvoy we know many Irish SMEs reach a point where growth slows, despite strong demand and a solid reputation. Turnover plateaus, opportunities feel harder to convert and progress becomes inconsistent. This is often described as hitting a “revenue ceiling”, and in most cases, the ca…

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When Shareholders Fall Out: Legal and Financial Risks for SMEs

1st April 2026

Shareholder disputes rarely begin with major disagreements. More often, they develop gradually through misalignment, unclear expectations and poor communication. By the time the issue becomes visible, the damage is often already underway.
For Irish SMEs, the impact can be significant.
The immediate…

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The Tax Implications of Selling Shares in an Irish Company

31st March 2026

For many Irish business owners, selling shares in their company is the moment where years of work are finally realised financially. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood stages of the business lifecycle. The focus is often placed on achieving the highest possible price, but in practice, what…

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The Risk of “Busy but Not Profitable”: How to Spot and Fix It Early

30th March 2026

At J McEvoy we know many Irish SMEs fall into the same trap. Sales are strong, the team is busy and the business appears to be growing. Yet at the end of the month, there is little left to show for it. Being busy is often mistaken for being successful, but the two are not the same.
The first warning…

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Selling to a Third Party vs Management Buyout: Key Considerations

30th March 2026

For many Irish business owners, the decision to sell is not the hardest part. The real challenge is deciding who to sell to. In most cases, this comes down to two primary routes: a sale to a third party or a management buyout. While both achieve the same end result, a transfer of ownership, they dif…

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The Hidden Cost of Slow Decision-Making in Growing Businesses

30th March 2026

At J McEvoy we know growth is often seen as a positive signal of success, yet it brings complexity that many SMEs underestimate. As businesses expand, decision-making tends to slow. More people are involved, more information is required, and more caution is exercised. While this may feel like respon…

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Resolving Shareholder Deadlock: Practical Options for SME Directors

27th March 2026

Shareholder deadlock is a common risk in Irish SMEs, particularly where ownership is evenly split or decision making requires unanimous agreement. What often begins as a difference of opinion can quickly escalate into a situation where the business cannot move forward. In 2026, with increased pressu…

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Business Valuation Before Exit: What Drives Price in the Irish Market

26th March 2026

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 fa…

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