In profile: Pandox and Eindomsspar, the Scandinavian firms acquiring Dalata in €1.4bn deal
• The strategic motivations behind Pandox's growing interest in the Irish and UK hotel markets — and its €3.96bn portfolio power
• How Norwegian billionaire Christian Ringnes built Eiendomsspar into a major European property force — and why Dalata is now in his sights
• What happens next for Ireland's only publicly listed hotel group?
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Irish Examiner
23 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Irish M&A activity up 4% in first half of 2025 despite global challenges
Irish merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has remained durable despite global challenges, a new report from law firm William Fry has found, with a total of 236 deals being announced in the first six months of 2025. It marks a 4% rise in transaction volume compared to the same period in 2024, while total deal value fell to €8.8bn, which reflected a more than 50% decline year-on-year. The law firm said this was underpinned by a slowdown in large-cap and transformational transactions. However, the volume growth signals continued appetite for strategic acquisitions and investments in the Irish market, William Fry said. Mid-market size deals continue to dominate, with 88% of disclosed deal values ranging between €5m and €250m, the report found. Meanwhile, transformational deals, which are deals valued at more than €500m, matched figures from the first half of 2024. The largest deal of the period was the €1.9bn acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital A/S by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd, a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Some 63% of Irish deals involved overseas bidders, up from 57% in the first half of 2024, with strong activity from the US, UK and Norway. Meanwhile, private equity accounted for 24% of Irish deals, with deal volume up 39% year-on-year. However, the aggregate value of those deals fell by 71%. The first quarter of 2025 showed to be particularly strong, with 138 deals worth €6.3bn. This represented a 30% growth in volume and 48% in value compared to the first three months of 2024. Inbound M&A activity continues to dominate, accounting for 63% of all Irish deals in the first half of 2025, up from 57% in the same period last year. A total of 148 inward investment transactions were announced, including 83 in the first quarter alone, the highest quarterly total in five years. Overseas bidders led 15 of the top 20 deals, with strong participation from the traditional jurisdictions of US and UK as well as Norway, which was involved in two of the largest transactions, the report said. Private equity firms announced 57 deals in the first half of 2025, a 39% year-on-year increase in volume, though overall deal value fell to €4.2bn, down from €14.6bn in the same period in 2024, which was bolstered by megadeals such as Apollo's investment in Intel's Fab 34. 'Irish M&A activity remains resilient despite global challenges, with a modest increase in deal volume in the first half of 2025," said Andrew McIntyre, Head of Corporate/M&A at William Fry. "While deal values moderated due to fewer large transactions, the data highlights the strength of Irish assets. International interest is strong, and private equity is showing renewed momentum in the mid-market. Overall, these trends suggest Ireland is well-positioned for continued deal making in the second half.' Looking ahead, Mr McIntyre said there was a "cautious optimism" for continued M&A activity, supported by projected GDP growth, ECB rate cuts, and momentum in key sectors like renewables and digital transformation. "Ireland's new FDI screening regime has had minimal impact so far on inbound M&A," he added. "However, geopolitical risks - especially in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the US -remain elevated.'
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Lidl Ireland fans set to love new €30 cabin bag with sleek feature – and its perfect for frequent flyers
WITH our unpredictable weather this summer, many of us are looking forward to a getaway in sunnier spots. Lidl Ireland bosses have dropped the ultimate cabin bag for your trip - and it comes in two colours. Advertisement 6 A new suitcase is arriving in Lidl this week Credit: 6 The sleek suitcase comes in two colours Credit: 6 The retailer is also releasing a selection of new travel items in stores Credit: The Topmove Cabin Case, available in black or grey, will be landing on shelves across the country on Thursday. But The sleek suitcase features twin 360° spinning wheels and an adjustable handle. Inside the suitcase, there are zip compartments and a hold-all strap. Advertisement READ MORE ON TRAVEL The retailer said: 'The five position extendable handle with locking button, includes four smooth-running twin 360° spinning wheels.' It's makes the perfect luggage for bringing on board flights or weekend staycations. Originally priced at €39.99, Advertisement The handy gadget acts as a key finder, helping users locate personal objects such as keys and bags. The retailer said: 'For easily locating your valuables. Attach to keys, purses, wallets and everyday items.' I tried 'magic' Lidl garden hose - you need to get it, it's perfect for summer Available in white, black or pink, the smart tag is a steal at €9.99. Another travel must-have landing in stores is the SILVERCREST Mini Desk Fan. Advertisement Keep cool during scorching temperatures with the portable fan for just €19.99. The budget retailer said: 'With the speed settings, an LED mood light in five different colour changing options and two global buttons for ease of use.' Lidl chiefs also dropped the Silvercrest 45W pedestal The handy appliance which will help customers cool down while still enjoying the sun. Advertisement At €17.99, this bargain buy is available from now until September 30 in stores across the country. The fan features three different speeds and an oscillation function, as well as being adjustable in tilt and height. In the description the supermarket said: "SILVERCREST is the best-selling Small Kitchen and Household Appliances brand in Europe". Adding with the slogan: "Award-winning appliances for an award-worthy home". Advertisement The fan represents a budget-friendly alternative to premium fan models such as the Dyson AM09 Hot + Cool Fan, which retails at around €360. THE HISTORY OF LIDL IN IRELAND LIDL first opened in Germany in 1973. Back then, it employed just three people, stocking 500 product lines. The first Irish store, located just off Molesworth Street in Dublin, was opened in 1999. This was Lidl's first entry into the Irish grocery market. Then, Lidl opened more stores in 2000, in Limerick, Letterkenny, Mullingar, Athlone, Cavan, Ballinasloe and Portlaoise. Now, the retailer has over 180 stores and three distribution centres, employing over 6,000 people. They work with a network of more than 260 Irish suppliers from the communities they operate in. 6 The portable fan is perfect for travel Credit: 6 The new suitcases will hit the shelves on Thursday Credit: 6 The new items are ideal for holidays and travelling Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Day one of online age crackdown: no change as children still able to log into adult content and social media sites
None of Ireland's most popular social media apps have implemented new age verification controls on the first day of the Irish media regulator's age verification crackdown, a survey by the Irish Independent shows.
