DUBLIN – Noledge Group, a cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) and financial management software specialist, has acquired Waterford-based payroll software firm Pimbrook.
The transaction scales Noledge’s operational capacity and expands its footprint into the south east of Ireland. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is central to a growth strategy aimed at significantly increasing the group’s annual turnover.
The integration of Pimbrook is expected to accelerate revenue growth for the enlarged entity, with projections indicating a rise from €5.7m in 2025 to €10m by the end of the year.
The acquisition combines two established players in the Irish and UK financial software markets. Pimbrook brings a 20-year track record of providing Sage accounting and payroll services, specifically targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), many of which operate in regulated sectors and are subject to payroll and reporting rules set out by Irish Revenue and the UK’s HM Revenue & Customs.
The combined group’s operational scale is detailed below:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected Group Revenue | €10m (by year-end) |
| Combined Workforce | 67 employees |
| Total Customer Base | Over 3,750 across Ireland and UK |
| Physical Office Locations | Dublin, Belfast, Newcastle, and Waterford |
Strategic Market Expansion
Pimbrook currently serves 1,750 SME customers across the UK and Ireland, with a concentrated presence in the healthcare, construction, and manufacturing sectors. These industries typically require high levels of compliance and precision in payroll and accounting, making them primary targets for ERP integration and for adherence to frameworks such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in relation to employee data and financial records.
Noledge Group, which already manages over 2,000 customers, intends to leverage this acquisition to offer a broader range of financial management tools to a diversified client base. The group’s strategy involves servicing all market segments, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, while deepening its advisory role on digital transformation and compliance in areas such as payroll reporting, tax submissions, and statutory returns.
The move reflects a broader trend in the Enterprise Ireland-supported software ecosystem, where specialized firms are consolidating to provide comprehensive “single-pane-of-glass” financial solutions rather than fragmented point products. For policymakers and enterprise agencies, such consolidation is increasingly seen as underpinning Ireland’s SME digitisation agenda, as cloud-based ERP and payroll systems become integral to how firms meet regulatory reporting obligations and access government supports.
“The move strengthens our market position as a leading provider of financial management software and ERP solutions that are tailored to customers’ needs and, in turn, drive faster growth for businesses,” said Ray Ryan, CEO of The Noledge Group.
Regional Operational Structure
Under the terms of the deal, Pimbrook will continue to operate as a standalone company and will retain its existing branding. This “house of brands” structure allows the group to maintain the established relationships Pimbrook has built within the Waterford and Tramore regions while giving customers access to a wider suite of cloud ERP and financial tools.
The acquisition adds 14 employees to the Noledge team, including Pimbrook managing director Stephanie Davies and operations director Tom Shields. Their continued roles are expected to provide continuity for existing clients and preserve institutional knowledge of sector-specific payroll and accounting needs.
The establishment of a Waterford office marks the group’s fourth physical location. Ray Ryan noted the advantages of regional investment, stating that the company plans to tap into Pimbrook’s presence in the south east to grow the business outside of the Dublin metropolitan area, aligning with Ireland’s broader regional development and digitalisation priorities for SMEs.
Stephanie Davies stated: “The expanded company will equip businesses with an enhanced suite of tools that will support their continued growth and innovation. Our shared purpose and core values will also enable the group to accelerate its own growth and cement its place as a leader in the market.”
Noledge Group continues to operate across its four offices as it integrates Pimbrook’s customer base into its cloud ERP framework, focusing on a phased migration path designed to minimise disruption to payroll cycles, statutory reporting, and day‑to‑day financial operations for clients across Ireland and the UK.
