Ross: QS will provide “broader range of services” to Simplify customers
Eddie Ross, chief executive of QualitySolicitors (QS) has said an investment decision by its private equity owners, Palamon Capital Partners, will enable it to “consolidate its position” as a national leader in conveyancing.
Palamon has acquired a controlling stake in The Simplify Group, which includes panel management business Move with Us, top-20 conveyancer DC Law and probate specialist Chorus Law. The group has a combined turnover of around £60m.
Mr Ross said the technological expertise of Simplify would enhance the “innovative online customer platform” being developed for his network.
“At the same time, the scale of the QS network will provide a broader range of legal services to Simplify customers.”
A spokesperson for Palamon said: “Palamon’s investment in Simplify underlines its strategy to build the UK’s largest legal services provider, with multiple routes to market.
“Palamon believes this transaction will provide significant growth opportunities for both QualitySolicitors and Simplify, which have complementary market positions, service models and skills.
“QualitySolicitors’ members can benefit from additional legal work and the sophisticated technology that Simplify brings. Simplify will obtain access to an expanded network of high street law firms and a broader range of legal services.
“The management teams of Simplify and QualitySolicitors will stay in place to lead their existing businesses, and further details of how the companies will work together will be disclosed at a later stage.”
Daan Knottenbelt, partner at Palamon, added: “The scale and technological expertise of Simplify, coupled with the national high street coverage and consumer reach of QualitySolicitors, will provide multiple growth opportunities for both companies.”
Grant McKerron, chairman at Simplify, said the group was committed to “building a platform that offers greater choice and control to the consumer”.
He went on: “Whilst we are market leaders in two segments, our research shows that the majority of people using our website are seeking additional legal services not yet provided by the group.
“Working with QualitySolicitors will broaden the services we offer and help meet that unserved demand. We are excited about the significant opportunities that will arise from working together.”
QS really are going to have to raise their game to stay in the game, it doesn’t look good for them in the long term, they won’t and can’t compete with IM and S&G. But who can.