Loane died on Tuesday evening (25 February) aged 82, following a long battle with cancer.  

During his life he amassed an extraordinary array of experiences.

Loane left Ireland for Liverpool at a young age to join the Merchant Navy, and went on to qualify as a Ship’s Captain.

He then studied accountancy at night, gaining qualifications in order to enter the business world.

He joined Clondalkin Paper Mills as an accountant, where his potential was recognised by Clondalkin CEO Henry Lund.

Loane subsequently rose to become COO of the whole group, which included print and packaging businesses.

In 1991 he struck out on his own and acquired Darley Business Forms based in Burton-on-Trent.

Loane reversed that business into Castletown Press PLC, which was listed on the Irish Stock Exchange, and renamed the business Adare Group PLC.

Over the following years Adare made more than 16 acquisitions across the UK and Ireland, growing revenue to around £300m.

At its peak, the company was valued at £186m having raised less than £20m from its shareholders during previous years.

In 2000 Loane fought off a takeover bid and took the business private. Adare was subsequently acquired by an MBO team backed by Endless in 2006, and Loane stepped down afterwards.

The Adare name lives on today at Adare SEC.

In later life he made guest appearances at Irish Universities, sharing his business experiences with aspiring graduates and MBA programmes, and was also an angel investor in a number of companies.

He also loved spending time working on his land at Downdaniel in County Cork.

His son Elgin Loane is also involved in the printing industry, and is the owner of The Color Company and The Wren Press.

Elgin Loane said his father had a strong work ethic that he applied to everything he did: “He was a fair, thoughtful, a visionary and inspiring man. 

“We are naturally deeply saddened by his loss but will all be forever inspired by him.”

Grenadier Holdings/Paragon Group founder and executive chairman Patrick Crean worked with Loane for more than 40 years, first at Clondalkin and then joining him at Adare. 

Loane went on to advise Crean and his team and had been on the group’s board of directors since 2016.

Crean paid tribute and said Loane’s unwavering support, guidance and dedication had helped shape the company, while his wisdom, integrity, and commitment to excellence “had left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him”. 

“Nelson would have created many career opportunities for people in business and was a great mentor and supporter of many highly successful people,” Crean said.

“He was a professional businessperson who put the business first, he managed firmly, expected people to perform and didn’t suffer fools – a great person. 

“I spent 43 years of my career working for, working with and alongside Nelson, we fought many business battles separately and together during this time. He never had a cross word with me, but I knew from his look, what he was thinking!”

Crean said that when he decided to do his own thing in 1997/8, while Loane was disappointed that he had decided to leave Adare, he was also very supportive of his ambitions. 

“Nelson admired people in business who made it happen, just like he did! We have lost a great entrepreneur and individual.

“Nelson’s strong professional business ethics will continue to inspire us, and his contributions to our business will be missed, but his impact will never be forgotten.”

Walstead Group chairman Mark Scanlon also worked with Loane at Adare.

He said: “Nelson had acquisition acumen and incisive cost management skills that enabled Adare to grow into one of the largest print groups in the ’90s.

“Behind that timid Corkonian persona lay a determined and astute businessman. Out of the office, you encountered a modest, charming, and deferential gentleman. I was fortunate to assimilate many of his fine attributes. RIP, Nelson.”

Corporate finance specialist Nick Mockett of Moorgate Capital also voiced his appreciation for Loane’s many qualities, and said: “Nelson was always a gentleman in our business dealings. He achieved great things in the worlds of print and packaging and did so with a generous spirit and modesty.

“Moreover, he brought humour to the business which made engagement all the more agreeable. Nelson would be welcoming at social events and invariably remembered details from previous get togethers, including interests and family matters. Nelson will be much missed.”

Loane is survived by his wife Bridget; three children Ruth, Catherine and Elgin; and five grandchildren Elissa, Juno, Esme, Loren and Conan.

The funeral will take place in Dublin, with the date and time to be decided.