Crowleys DFK Joins Shaw Gibbs Group with New Investment

Crowleys DFK is excited to announce a strategic partnership with UK-based Shaw Gibbs, joining the Shaw Gibbs Group, as well as an agreement for further strategic investment from its investor, Apiary Capital.  This partnership and investment marks a significant milestone in the firm’s journey and will accelerate growth in three core areas: Learning & Development, Technology, and Succession Planning.

This partnership builds on Shaw Gibbs’ track record of merging with successful accountancy and business advisory practices and builds on Apiary Capital’s proven track record of investing in transformative companies.  Shaw Gibbs is a top 35 leading accountancy and business advisory firm that secured investment from Apiary in November 2022.  Apiary is a UK-based private equity firm renowned for supporting owner-managed businesses across the business, financial, technology, education, and healthcare services sectors.

Since the original investment from Apiary Capital, Shaw Gibbs has demonstrated its success in merging with 11 other accountancy and advisory businesses and invested funding and expertise in infrastructure, digital innovation, and operational excellence.  Shaw Gibbs has grown organically and through acquisition from its base in Oxford to 18 offices across central and southern England with 56 partners and over 600 people serving over 20,000 SMEs, corporates and private clients. This affiliation brings exciting opportunities for collaboration, shared expertise, and long-term strategic alignment.  The partnership with Crowleys DFK is the first business outside of the UK that Shaw Gibbs has welcomed into its group.

Importantly, both Crowleys DFK and Shaw Gibbs are proud members of DFK International, a global alliance of accounting firms providing audit, tax and advisory services, working closely together across over 430 offices in over 90 countries.

“We’re proud to be working with Shaw Gibbs, whose partnering philosophy, culture and  strategy align closely with our own vision,” said Managing Partner, James O’Connor. “This is a significant moment for our firm, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

“While this partnership represents a significant step forward, our day-to-day operations remain unchanged. Our firm name, brand, leadership team, and client relationships will continue as they are. This investment is about reinforcing our foundation—not altering it.”

“This partnership is more than financial, it’s a shared commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and impact. With our strengthened connection to the Shaw Gibbs Group and the financial support from its Investor, we are well-positioned to build on our success and shape the next chapter of our firm’s evolution.”

Peter O’Connell, CEO of Shaw Gibbs said:

“We have worked with James and the team at Crowleys DFK for a number of years sharing knowledge and business strategies as well as working together on client matters. The partnership allows for an investment in the Crowleys DFK business and team to achieve further growth, development and investment in the Irish market.”