Case Studies
These case studies showcase investments made independently by one or more members of Grattan Investment Group. They reflect our collaborative, founder-led approach: members invest their own capital and contribute practical experience, strategic insight and valuable networks. By working alongside founders and management teams, our members help strengthen operations, accelerate sustainable growth and build enduring value.
Gregory Rose and Barry O’Brien are investors in SCG, bringing extensive experience in financial services, technology, business development and international markets. Alongside their investment, they provide strategic guidance and industry networks to support the company’s continued growth and expansion into new markets
Eamon Farrel and Barry O'Brien co-founded Packaging Holdings in early 2023. Combined with WCC and others they investors into Packaging Holdings and became Board Directors, leveraging from Eamons 35 years of experience in the packaging industry.
Barry and Eamon raised €40m in a mixture of debt and equity to fund a packaging consolidation play
Between April and June 2023 they acquired 10 sustainable packaging businesses in Ireland and the UK.
Eamon Farrell had reached retirement age, and he was looking to reduce his workload whilst retaining an interest in the business he co-founded. In 2019 he sold the majority of the business to IFP Investments Limited ("IFPIL") chaired by Barry O'Brien. He retained a significant portion which he converted into shares in IFPIL. He continued to work in the businesses with an agreed glide plan to reduce his hours. He joined the Board of IFPIL.
IFPIL subsequently bought a synergetic company called FIspak. The IFPIL teams worked with Eamon to improve the business and thus grew earnings by 50%
In 2021, IFPIL sold to the US multinational ProAmpac and Eamon realised 3.5x times return on the investment he had retained via his shareholding in IFPIL.
www.proampac.com/en-us/media-center/418/proampac-acquires-irish-flexible-packaging-and-fispak/
Barry Sherry and Declan McDonald founded Acel Energy in June 2023.
In late 2023, they met with Paul McKenna and Barry O'Brien. Discussions led to an investment by Paul and Barry into the then start-up Acel Energy who both joined the Acel Board.
The business has gone from strenght to strength under the leadership of Barry Sherry and Declan McDonald supported by the Acel Board.
SCG Growth Partners & ApplyOn
Summary
SCG Growth Partners is an Irish technology company specialising in digital application and customer-onboarding solutions through its ApplyOn platform. The company is led by founder and CEO Robbie Burns, with Barry O’Brien serving as Chairman.
www.scggrowthpartners.com
SCG Advertising is a 100% owned subsidiary of SGC.
www,applyon.com
Customers include Ansa Bank, Tatil Life, Beacon Insurance, Sagicor, ICBL, Cicsa and Lynch Insurance
Packaging Holdings
Summary
A group of 11 sustainable packaging businesses in Ireland and the UK situated in Kent, Birmingham, Nottingham, Chester, Cavan, Roscrea and Dublin
www.packagingholdings.org
8 manufacturing plants with 300 employees.
Packaging Holdings primarily uses paper-based or recyclable materials to make paper and recyclable packaging products
Products include paper bags, corrugated boxes, aluminium foils, paper straws, parchments and flexible packaging
Irish Flexible Packaging
Summary
Irish Flexible Packaging, established in 1991 by Eamon Farrell in Carnew, County Wicklow, Ireland, specialized in providing innovative and sustainable flexible packaging solutions, particularly for the bakery and dairy sectors.
Their product range included wax paper, super-view, and various printed packaging options.
In February 2019, IFP Investments Limited, which had WCC as a significant shareholders, acquired the business, aiming to support growth and strategic development. This collaboration led to the acquisition of Fispak Limited, enhancing their offerings with wax-based bone guard products.
Later, in November 2021, ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging, acquired both Irish Flexible Packaging and Fispak, expanding their sustainable packaging capabilities in Europe.
Despite these transitions, the legacy of Irish Flexible Packaging continues, with its products and innovations still serving customers in the bakery and dairy industries.
Acel Energy
Summary
Acel Energy is a leading Irish renewable energy business.
Acel Energy delivers end-to-end renewable energy solutions across the island of Ireland, from project development and financing through to design, installation and ongoing maintenance. Its innovative, tailored solutions help businesses reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and achieve their decarbonisation goals.
Led by CEO Barry Sherry, Chairman Barry O’Brien and Director Paul McKenna, Acel’s customers include Americold, Shannon Airport, Tesco, the Irish Defence Forces and Kingspan.
In July 2026, Acel was acquired by Entegro, part of the Kyntus Group, providing a strong platform for the company’s next phase of growth and expansion.