| Industry | Financial services |
|---|---|
| Founded | 26 April 1876 |
| Founder | Robert Goodbody Jonathan Goodbody |
| Headquarters | , Ireland |
Key people | Martin Tormey (Chief executive officer) |
| Parent | Allied Irish Banks |
| Website | goodbody |
Goodbody Stockbrokers is Ireland's longest established stockbroking firm with roots dating back to 1877. As well as being one of the leading institutional brokers, it is one of the largest private client firms in Ireland. It is a member firm of the Irish Stock Exchange and a SETS participant of the London Stock Exchange. The company has offices in Dublin, London, Galway and Cork. It employs over 300 people and sold its 26.2 per cent of the Irish Stock Exchange in 2018.[1][2]
Ireland has two large (one of which is Goodbody) and half a dozen medium-sized brokerages. A 2013 report by the Central Bank of Ireland noted the likelihood and possible risks of future mergers among firms.[3][4]
Goodbody was formerly owned by Irish financial services firm Fexco, which held a 51% interest, and by members of Goodbody's management and staff, who owned the remaining 49%. In November 2019, the Bank of China reached an agreement with Goodbody to purchase all of its shares for €155 million. In March 2020, the Central Bank of Ireland approved the proposed sale. The transaction was then expected to close in early summer 2020, contingent upon additional required regulatory approvals.[5] However this deal fell through, and in March 2021 Allied Irish Banks agreed to buy the stockbroker for €138m. The acquisition was completed on 1 September 2021.[6]