Archive for March 2026
The Tax Implications of Selling Shares in an Irish Company
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…
Read MoreThe Risk of “Busy but Not Profitable”: How to Spot and Fix It Early
At Garvey Associates 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 firs…
Selling to a Third Party vs Management Buyout: Key Considerations
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…
Read MoreThe Hidden Cost of Slow Decision-Making in Growing Businesses
At Garvey Associates 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 li…
Read MoreResolving Shareholder Deadlock: Practical Options for SME Directors
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…
Read MoreBusiness 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 fa…
Read MoreAvoiding 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…
Read MoreCash Is Not King Without Control: Strengthening Financial Discipline in Your Business
At Garvey Associates we know cash flow is often described as the lifeblood of a business. Many SME owners focus heavily on maintaining healthy bank balances, believing that strong cash reserves alone provide security. In reality, cash without control can create a false sense of stability. Businesses…
Read MorePlanning 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…
Read MorePreparing 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 wit…
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