Browne Jacobson advises IT and cybersecurity provider on strategic expansion into Ireland

UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised IT and cyber security provider Littlefish on its acquisition of Storm Technology, a leading Microsoft-focused business technology consultancy based in Ireland.

Founded in 2003, UK-based award-winning managed IT and cyber services provider, Littlefish, focused on delivering enhanced user experiences, improved customer satisfaction, and authentic business value.

Storm Technology is a leading Ireland-based Microsoft business technology consultancy with more than 25 years of experience driving client success through digital transformation. With offices in Dublin, Galway and Belfast, Storm Technology delivers digital solutions and market-leading customer service across hospitality, construction, utilities, sustainable energy, and the public sector.

This strategic acquisition enables Littlefish to continue its rapid organic expansion alongside the enlargement of its portfolio with enhanced capabilities around enterprise applications and an end-to-end Microsoft M365/D365 proposition. It also allows Littlefish to harness new potential in the UK and Irish markets, addressing the growing demand for business-focused Microsoft solutions, while also expanding its customer base in Ireland via Storm Technology.

The deal was undertaken by a UK-Ireland integrated team at Browne Jacobson which was led by corporate partners Mark Hughes and William Darmody. 

The firm established its presence in Ireland with an office in Dublin in 2022, and following client need, launching its corporate practice in January 2024 with the appointment of William as partner and head of the firm’s Irish Corporate team. The firm has made an impact advising corporates on complex, high value transactions including the acquisition of Dublin-based food manufacturer Strong Roots by McCain Foods in April 2024. 

Mark Hughes, Corporate Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “This transaction is a testament to the firm’s ability to advise on cross-border deals. Branching into the Irish market in 2022 has created many new opportunities for our ambitious corporate teams, with this important deal for Littlefish marking our latest success and further underscoring the benefits of instructing Browne Jacobson on cross-border matters.”

William Darmody, Partner and Head of Browne Jacobson’s Irish Corporate team, said: “Our firm’s Irish office opened in 2022 with a laser focus on the Technology sector - it’s a sector our firm knows very well, so we’re pleased to have supported a technology company with an international vision such as Littlefish on its strategic expansion. 

Browne Jacobson’s Technology teams are particularly known for providing end-to-end technology advice and services across complex sourcing transactions, including tech aspects of M&A, corporate and financing transactions – both domestic and cross border.