Dublin-based corporate service provider Pearse Trust has been acquired by global corporate and fund services provider Hawksford.
Pearse Trust has a 35-year track record providing trust and corporate services to an international client base. Founded in the 1980s, the company now operates in Dublin, Belfast, London, Vancouver and Wellington, with an associated office in Mexico City.
The acquisition will see Hawksford move into the Republic for the first time and forms part of the group’s wider growth strategy.
Hawksford said the deal reflects increasing international client interest in the Republic and expands its current European operations, utilising Ireland as a key entry point to EU markets, while also growing the firm’s operational capability in the Americas.
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The Pearse Trust team will be retained as part of the transition into Hawksford, “ensuring stability and continuity of service to existing clients”.
Joseph Hickey, founder and chairman; Grainne Riordan, managing director; and directors Gerard Rafferty and Catherine Hickey will continue to oversee the business and lead Hawksford’s operations in Ireland.
Hawksford group chief executive Michel van Leeuwen said: “This is a significant milestone for Hawksford and represents the next step in our exciting growth journey with Star Capital.
“Our priority remains to be perceptive of our clients’ needs and expand our multi-jurisdictional offering in strategically significant markets.
“We are seeing Ireland rapidly becoming a key hub for Europe, and we are impressed with Pearse Trust’s longstanding legacy and commitment to clients within the market.
“We look forward to joining up our capabilities and continuing to expand our service offering to clients globally.”
Pearse Trust founder Joseph Hickey said the acquisition was “a pivotal step” for the group.
“We are eager to provide our clients with new opportunities and access to a broader range of services available through the Hawksford group,” he said.
“We will continue to provide our clients with the high standard of service they expect from us and are excited about our future as part of the Hawksford family.”
