The firm of Michael McArdle & Son was established in the late 19th Century by Michael McArdle.

His son Patrick who had been working with him took over the running of the business at the time of Michael's death in 1940.  Patrick was an active member of the community and was an independent Councillor for the area and become Chairman of Newry N2 District Council.  He was a member of the local Markets Society and Community Association and was elected on to the original Founding Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 1971.  He became a member of the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (I.A.V.I.) in 1943 and became a Fellow of the Institute in 1976.  His son Michael joined him in 1977 on a part-time basis while he completed a 3 year course at the College of Commerce in Rathmines, Dublin to attain membership of the I.A.V.I. He joined full-time in 1980.

In 1983 the business moved in to new purpose built premises adjacent to the original where services were extended to include Agency for the Abbey National Building Society which continued untill Abbey National became a plc and could no longer have agents.  It was in 1992 that the firm became Local Agents for the Progressive Building Society - the only local Northern Ireland based Society - and are still the only Building Society Agency office in the area.

In the 1980's and 1990's Michael was an active committe member of the Northern Ireland Region of the I.A.V.I. holding the post of Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman at different times throughout that period.  He also became a Fellow of the I.A.V.I. in 1998 again following his father's footsteps.

Patrick died in 1989 and the firm continues, being run by Michael offering the increasing population the professional service expected in the 21st century.