A significant merger has taken place in the legal compliance sector with private equity involvement.
- Omni Partners acquired Barrister-led legal compliance business Briefed, leading to a merger.
- The merger combines Briefed and DMJ Recruitment, enhancing service offerings.
- Chief executive Orlagh Kelly highlights a unique combination of services post-merger.
- Investment from Invest Northern Ireland aids Briefed in developing its digital platform.
In a notable development within the legal compliance industry, private equity firm Omni Partners has completed the acquisition of the barrister-led legal compliance business Briefed. This acquisition precedes a merger with DMJ Recruitment, a firm specialising in legal and company secretarial recruitment. The move aims to enhance the collective capabilities of both entities, offering more rounded services to their clientele.
Barrister Orlagh Kelly, who led Briefed, now serves as the chief executive of the merged firm. She emphasised the uniqueness of the combined services, noting how the new firm can both ‘find and place’ professionals while supporting them throughout their careers. This approach, she asserts, offers a distinctive proposition within the market.
Prior to its merger, Briefed operated with a team of 10, including three barristers, and offered digital compliance and support services throughout the UK. Its strategic location included offices in both Belfast and London. On the other hand, DMJ Recruitment, consisting of 20 consultants, specialised in both private practice and in-house roles, as well as corporate governance.
The merger has prompted recruitment for three new roles within the firm, with the official name yet to be decided, and a formal launch anticipated in January. The financial details of Briefed’s acquisition have not been disclosed. However, significant investment from Invest Northern Ireland to the tune of £460,000 is aiding the development of Briefed’s digital platform and job creation initiatives in Belfast.
Briefed recently achieved a noteworthy milestone by obtaining a new law-specific data protection certification, LOCS:23, approved by the Information Commissioner’s Office. They also advised 30 Park Place, Wales’ largest chambers, in becoming the first legal service provider to gain this certification and are assisting several other chambers in this endeavour.
Omni Partners, known for its investments in rapidly growing and profitable businesses seeking initial external capital, sees this merger as an opportunity to establish an innovative, full-service talent management firm. Founder Steven Clark expressed optimism about the firm’s potential to support professionals in legal, corporate governance, and compliance fields.
The merger marks a significant evolution in the legal compliance business, promising comprehensive services and broad-reaching impacts for career professionals.
