Saffery Champness acquires Grant Thornton Ireland’s Media and Entertainment Practice, to be led by John Gleeson
Under the deal, the team of 11 people, headed up by John Gleeson, will join Saffery Champness and will operate from Saffery Champness’ new Irish office located in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.
Grant Thornton Ireland’s Media and Entertainment Practice
John Gleeson has over 20 years’ commercial experience in providing tax advice and advisory services, with a particular focus on the media and entertainment sector in Ireland and abroad. John and his team have worked on TV shows such as Doc McStuffins, Ripper Street, Vikings, Nightflyers and Game of Thrones, and films such as Room, The Breadwinner, Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi and The Rhythm Section. The team will continue to focus on advising domestic and international clients on film and TV financing, specialising in Ireland’s Section 481 film and TV tax incentive.
Speaking on the acquisition, Michael McAteer, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton, commented:
“Grant Thornton and Saffery Champness have collaborated in recent years on client engagements, leading to a thorough understanding of each other’s culture and ways of working. As Saffery Champness were looking to increase their international film and TV offering into the Irish market, we recognised from our previous experience working with them, that it was the right fit.”
Saffery Champness’ UK operations
Matthew Burton, Managing Partner of Saffery Champness, commented:
“Film and television is a core chosen market for us as a business and an area where we boast significant strength and depth of expertise. I am certain that John and his team will prove a real asset to the firm, enhancing our capabilities and range of client services as well as furthering our international reach.”
Saffery Champness’ existing UK Film & TV team already comprises 48 people, including seven partners. It has worked on recent high-profile film projects such as Star Wars – The Force Awakens, Mama Mia – Here We Go Again and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Its more recent TV projects have included Poldark, Game of Thrones, Bodyguard and Sex Education.
