Laois financial planning business taken over by former Tipperary GAA star

A financial planning practise based in Portlaoise has been acquired by the former Tipperary hurling star Tony Delaney's firm, SYS Financial.

The financial advisory firm, SYS Financial, confirmed on Monday, 12 January that they had acquired GTL Life and Pensions as part of a major expansion by the company.

GTL Life and Pensions is based on Jessop Street in Portlaoise and has been in business since 1977. The company was founded by the late John Lawlor and it is currently led by his daughter Emma Lawlor who is Managing Director. 

SYS Financial have now taken over the company and its assets worth over €30 million. 

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Tipperary hurler Tony Delaney founded the fast-growing financial broking group over a decade ago in 2015. The company is based in Nenagh, County Tipperary and has more offices in Limerick, Cork and Dublin. 

SYS Financial's acquisition of GTL Life and Pensions is part of a major expansion strategy that will bring overall assets under the management of the firm to over €680 million. 

The firm has further acquisitions in the pipeline which are projected to bring its client assets under management to €1.3 billion by the start of quarter two in 2026.

Commenting on the big move, SYS Financial CEO, Tony Delaney, said: "We’re delighted to welcome GTL Life and Pensions into SYS Financial. It is a firm which shares our culture and values of integrity, professionalism, and client-first advice.

"This acquisition strengthens our presence in a key regional market and reinforces our ambition to be the leading provider of client-focused financial planning in Ireland. We are committed to expanding our footprint across Ireland and delivering exceptional service to our clients."

Managing Director of GTL Life and Pensions, Emma Lawlor, added: "This is a very positive move for our clients. Joining SYS Financial represents a natural next step, providing our clients with continued personal service backed by the strength, technology, and expertise of a leading national firm. I’m looking forward to contributing to SYS Financial’s growth in the years ahead."