Receivership

Strategic and efficient debt recovery

Receivership is a key mechanism for secured lenders to recover debts when a borrower is in financial difficulty. When a borrower defaults and the security terms allow, a receiver may be appointed to take control of specific assets or an entire business. The role of the receiver is to manage and realise those assets to repay the secured debt — with professionalism, transparency, and commercial focus.

At BDO, we provide expert receivership services across single asset and trading cases, helping lenders protect value, manage risk, and achieve timely, effective outcomes. Whether you are managing a distressed loan, reviewing recovery options, or navigating a complex appointment, our experienced team will support you at every step — from initial viability assessments to the final realisation of assets.

What is Receivership and when is it used?



Receivership allows secured lenders to recover their funds by appointing a licensed insolvency practitioner (the receiver) to take control of secured assets. The receiver acts on behalf of the lender, managing or disposing of the assets to discharge the outstanding debt.

This process can apply to:

  • Single assets such as properties, development sites, or specific investments
  • Entire businesses, in which case a trading receivership may be used to preserve operations and goodwill while pursuing a sale

Our role is to act quickly and commercially, protecting the value of secured assets while keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.

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Our Receivership Services

BDO offers a full suite of receivership services, tailored to the nature of the security and the commercial objectives of the lender. Whether the appointment involves trading operations or specific asset realisation, our team brings clarity, structure, and results-focused execution to every engagement.


In cases where fixed and floating charges are held over substantially all of a company’s assets, a trading receivership may be used. This allows the business to continue operating under the receiver’s management, supporting the preservation of jobs, contracts, and goodwill during a sale process.

Where the security relates to specific assets — such as property, plant and equipment, receivables, or shareholdings — we act as fixed charge receivers to manage and realise those assets efficiently. Our team works to maximise recovery through a commercially sound, structured approach that protects both value and reputation.

From initial viability assessments to post-appointment recovery, we guide lenders through every stage of the process. Our services include:

  • Conducting viability reviews on behalf of secured investors with a view to identifying the best route to realising a return on the investment. 
  • Advising on prioritising the assets on a value basis that underpins a lender's security. 
  • Accepting appointments as a receiver and manager of a company and undertaking a realisation of assets on behalf of the secured investors.

Whether the focus is on stabilising a trading entity or recovering value from a specific asset class, BDO delivers professional receivership management with a clear focus on lender objectives and stakeholder outcomes.


Why choose BDO for Receivership?

At BDO, our approach to receivership is built on clear communication, commercial awareness, and practical experience. We understand the pressure lenders face when a borrower defaults, and we work quickly to stabilise the situation, preserve value, and deliver efficient recoveries.


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Our team is made up of senior restructuring specialists who take an active, partner-led role throughout the appointment. We collaborate closely with secured lenders, legal advisors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the process is managed professionally, transparently, and in line with your recovery goals.

With BDO, you benefit from:

  • A responsive, partner-led approach with direct access to decision-makers
  • Integrated expertise across restructuring, corporate finance, real estate and tax
  • Clear commercial advice that considers the wider business context, not just the assets
  • Tailored strategies built around your specific lending position and security
  • Access to our international network, supporting cross-border asset recovery and coordination where required

Whether the appointment involves a single commercial asset or a complex trading business, we focus on practical solutions that maximise value and minimise risk.

Meet our specialist and discuss your Receivership options

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Jim Hamilton

Consultant, BDO Dublin
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Peter Doherty

Director, BDO Dublin
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David O'Connor

Partner, BDO Dublin
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Stephen O'Flaherty

Partner, BDO Limerick
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