Ellis Jones’ new Wimborne office: Nigel Smith (left) and Malcolm Scott Walby
Law firm merger and acquisition activity is continuing with deals in Dorset, Manchester and London, including a leading commercial firm establishing an employment practice.
There has been a steady drumbeat of deals in recent months – last month, for example, listed law firm consolidator Knights announced a £12.5m deal for West Midlands firm Thursfields Legal.
The most recent deal has seen Dorset and Hampshire firm Ellis Jones Solicitors acquired seven-person firm Scott Walby in what it described as “a strategic move designed to boost growth”.
Scott Walby was based in Wimborne, Dorset, where Ellis Jones already has an office, and adds to nearly 200 staff in branches in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and London.
Founded in 2005, Scott Walby is known for its specialisms in company and commercial law, as well as private and commercial property, and private client.
Property lawyer John Bulpit joins as a partner and commercial law specialist Malcolm Scott Walby a consultant, and will continue working out of their existing office.
Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones managing partner, said: “This is a significant acquisition for us, offering a hugely attractive growth opportunity and strengthening our service proposition for clients.”
National firm HF, a Manchester-headquartered commercial practice best known for its insurance sector work, has acquired Manchester boutique employment law firm Law By Design and two other businesses within the ‘By Design’ group – Investigations by Design and HR Solutions by Design, which provide specialist HR, HR investigations and organisational development services.
Ten people have joined HF to create its employment and HR offering.
HF chief executive Ronan McCann said the deal would “continue the expansion of our commercial service lines”.
Sue Morrison, managing director of Law by Design, added: “Joining HF really was a ‘no brainer’ and we are looking forward to being able to offer our existing clients the benefit of the technology and further investment provided by HF’s ongoing growth strategy as well as the opportunity of developing a joint customer focus with HF clients.”
City firm Richardson Lissack, which also has an office in Manchester, has acquired Barnfather Solicitors, which has offices in the same locations.
Three-partner Barnfather specialises in financial crime, fraud, competition and regulatory investigations
Richardson Lissack managing director Ben Richardson said: “The acquisition signifies the firm’s progression strategy, which will pave the way for future growth through recruitment in specific areas of law, that complement the business needs of our clients, and through further acquisitions in the proceeding years.”
Mr Barnfather said: “After being approached by a number of prospective purchasers it became obvious that Richardson Lissack was the right option for Barnfathers. It is a profitable, well-managed firm with a great culture.
“It already has a substantial presence in the ‘niche’ private fraud defence areas upon which my practice was built on. I believe the two teams brought together will have greater impact in the market.”
