Read through to find out the requirements for each category and hit “enter now” to enter immediately. If you need more preparation, please click here to download the offline category documents to prepare your entry at your convenience.
All categories, excluding the Lifetime Achievement and the Rising Star Under 30, will accept deals commenced in 2022/2023
Finalists will be announced Friday 12th April 2024
This award is for the corporate finance firm (e.g. accounting firms, specialist advisory firms, and boutiques) advising Irish businesses that have had the most outstanding year for deals recognising their pivotal role in orchestrating mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and restructuring endeavours during the qualifying period of 2022/23.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Strategic Insight and Innovation (30%)
- Deal Execution Excellence (30%)
- Client Impact and Satisfaction (30%)
- Judges Discretionary Award for unspecified merits (10%)
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The most outstanding law firm operating in Ireland in calendar year of 2022/23. The judges will be looking for firms that have achieved more than their direct competitors and peers.
Achievements may include the successful development of new practice areas, expansion into new international or domestic markets, new client wins, the completion of a strategic merger or acquisition, improved financial performance, or a successful recruitment policy.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Legal Expertise and Innovation (30%)
- Client Success and Impact (30%)
- Client Relationships and Communication (30%)
- Judges Discretionary Award for unspecified merits (10%)
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This category shines a spotlight on the exceptional transactions between €2.5 million and €10 million, The award will be given to the investor that can demonstrate why the deal stands out in a competitive market. The deal should have a value between €2.5 million and €10 million and involve an Irish business or businesses, signed and ongoing which was commenced in 2022/2023
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Overall structure and terms, execution and timing (30%)
- Overview of positive economic effects of the deal and the plan being backed (30%)
- Proven track record delivering capital value creation for a business like the investee (30%)
- Strategic Fit (10%)
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This category shines a spotlight on the exceptional transactions less than €2.5m, The award will be given to the investor that can demonstrate why the deal stands out in a competitive market. The deal should have a value up to €2.5 million and involve an Irish business or businesses, signed and ongoing which was commenced in 2022/2023
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Overall structure and terms, execution and timing (30%)
- Overview of positive economic effects of the deal and the plan being backed (30%)
- Proven track record delivering capital value creation for a business like the investee (30%)
- Strategic Fit (10%)
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This category shines a spotlight on the exceptional transactions greater than €10m, The award will be given to the investor that can demonstrate why the deal stands out in a competitive market. The deal should have a value greater than €10 million and involve an Irish business or businesses, signed and ongoing which was commenced in 2022/2023
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Overall structure and terms, execution and timing (30%)
- Overview of positive economic effects of the deal and the plan being backed (30%)
- Proven track record delivering capital value creation for a business like the investee (30%)
- Strategic Fit (10%)
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The “Debt Funding Deal of the Year” category highlights a standout financial transaction where an Irish business secured debt financing or an Irish lender executed a significant transaction, greater than 10m. This award acknowledges the skilful negotiation and structuring that enabled the successful acquisition of funding and exemplifies how debt funding transaction can have a significant positive impact on businesses’ growth trajectories.
Entries to have commenced in 2022/2023 and can be on-going
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Flexibility of structure (30%)
- Sector expertise (30%)
- Strategic Rationale overview of strategy and rationale for the debt funding. (30%)
- Speed of execution (10%)
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Entries to have commenced in 2022/2023 and can be on-going
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Flexibility of structure (30%)
- Sector expertise (30%)
- Strategic Rationale overview of strategy and rationale for the debt (30%)
- Speed of execution (10%)
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This award recognises the overall achievement of due diligence advisers in the calendar year of 2023. The award will be given to the provider that can demonstrate how it is creating value for clients through the provision of high-quality analysis, genuine market insight, and service, as well as the overall evolution of the team and strategy. Deals worked on and the growth of market share will also be taken into account.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Proven track record delivering value for a financial buyer / vendor (30%)
- Sector experience including development of new sector expertise (30%)
- Speed of execution (30%)
- Volume / Value of deals advised on (10%)
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This award recognises a firm’s commitment that prioritises environmental impact, social responsibility, and strong governance structures. By integrating financial success with positive contributions to society and the planet, this deal sets a benchmark for fostering a more ethical and sustainable financial landscape in the calendar year 2022 / 2023.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Clear evidence of investor commitment to advancing ESG through the deal. (30%)
- How the deal satisfies the three tenets of ESG (30%)
- Investor record of ESG investments (30%)
- Overall structure and terms (10%)
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This award is for the most significant private equity backed deal involving a business during the qualifying period of 2022 / 2023. This award recognises the expertise of PE investors in identifying promising Irish enterprises and fuelling their growth through strategic investments. The PE firm involved can be based outside the region, but the transaction must relate to a local business in Ireland.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Overall structure and terms, execution and timing (30%)
- Overview of positive economic effects of the deal and the plan being backed (30%)
- Proven track record delivering capital value creation for a business like the investee (30%)
- Strategic Fit (10%)
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The “Irish Private Equity House of the Year” category honours an exceptional Irish firm that has demonstrated exemplary expertise and success in executing private equity investments within Ireland. This award recognises a commitment to identifying opportunities, executing strategic transactions, and delivering substantial value to investors and portfolio companies. By showcasing outstanding performance and contributions to the Irish financial landscape, this category highlights the pivotal role of the honoured firm in fostering economic growth and innovation.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Number of new investments & number of exits this year (30%)
- Aggregate value of investments this year (30%)
- Average return on exit – fund (30%)
- Examples of clear value add in portfolios (10%)
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The “”Irish VC House of the Year”” category celebrates a distinguished venture capital firm that has displayed exceptional prowess in supporting and nurturing innovative startups across Ireland. This award recognises the firm’s strategic vision, successful investments, and contributions to fostering entrepreneurial growth in the calendar year 2022 / 2023.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Number of new investments & number of exits this year (30%)
- Average return on exit – Fund Performance (30%)
- Overview of how they have helped portcos scale (30%)
- Overview of follow on funding and other support for their investments (10%)
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The Hall of Fame recognises the contribution of an individual to the private equity industry, including their representation of the industry to government, business and the public, their work in improving the fiscal and legal environment for the industry, and success in their own field.
This is nominated category, please click the link below to nominate a candidate deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Lifetime Achievement and Contribution
- Impact on Companies and Innovation
- Industry Influence
- Leadership and Ethical Standards
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The “Portfolio Deal of the Year”” category celebrates a remarkable bolt-on acquisition or partnership or an exit that has significantly enhanced an existing portfolio or delivered market leading returns. This award recognises strategic foresight and successful integration, showcasing how the deal has added substantial value to the core business, demonstrating a keen eye for synergistic growth opportunities in the market, and where an exit has occurred, how the investor has added to the business to deliver the growth and premium financial returns.
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Strategic Rationale & Value Creation (30%)
- Overview of positive effects of the transaction (30%)
- Execution and timing (30%)
- ESG considerations (10%)
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This award recognises the exceptional achievements and contributions of young professionals under the age of 30* within the Irish investment sector. Celebrating the remarkable talent and potential of the next generation of industry leaders, this award honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding capabilities, innovative thinking, and significant impact in their respective roles. The recipient of this award will exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, dedication, and forward-thinking that is crucial for shaping the future of the Irish investment landscape.
*The entrant should be 29 or younger in the year 2023, if they turn 30 in the year 2024 they are eligible to apply
Judges will be looking for examples of the following:
- Demonstrated Impact & Innovative Thinking (30%)
- Commitment to Excellence (30%)
- Industry Engagement (30%)
- Professional Growth & Leadership Potential (10%)
