Every year, the 1 October professional indemnity insurance deadline prompts significant merger and acquisition (M&A) activity within UK law firms.
- Fletchers Group has expanded by acquiring Emsleys’ personal injury division in Leeds, integrating 28 staff into its operations.
- Rotheras and Bray & Bray have merged to form Rothera Bray, establishing a significant presence in the East Midlands with eight offices.
- Kitsons and Boyce Hatton have united under the name Kitson Boyce, enhancing service offerings in the South West with multiple offices.
- Spencer West and Prosperity Law are amongst firms that have significantly grown through strategic acquisitions and expansions.
The annual renewal deadline for professional indemnity insurance on 1 October continues to be a catalyst for merger and acquisition activity among law firms across the United Kingdom. This period sees firms strategically aligning and expanding their operations, driven by the acquisition of complementary practices and talent to enhance service offerings and extend geographical reach.
Fletchers Group, a prominent player in the serious injury sector, has strategically acquired the personal injury division of Leeds-based firm Emsleys. This acquisition involved the transfer of 28 staff, comprising both fee-earners and support staff, to Fletchers’ Leeds office, strengthening its regional presence. Chief Executive Peter Haden remarked that this move aligns with their strategy of acquiring high-quality companies to broaden their regional client base and service offerings.
The East Midlands has witnessed a significant merger between Nottingham-based Rotheras and Leicester’s Bray & Bray, resulting in the formation of Rothera Bray. This newly formed entity boasts 27 partners and a 200-strong team across eight offices in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire. Christina Yardley, Chief Executive, emphasised the firm’s commitment to a people-focused approach and the broadening of expertise and geographical footprint, achieving a top-200 UK revenue ranking for the first time.
In Devon, the merger of Kitsons and Boyce Hatton has resulted in the establishment of Kitson Boyce, a firm that spans Exeter, Plymouth, Totnes, and headquartered in Torquay. This union brings together 20 partners and over 30 legal professionals, driven by a shared belief in leveraging their complementary strengths to offer a wider array of client services. Rhodri Davey, managing partner at Kitsons, continues in this role for the new firm.
Further noteworthy expansions include Spencer West’s acquisition of London private wealth boutique Hierons and the integration of the collapsed Axiom Ince’s team, bringing Spencer West’s partnership total to nearly 200 since its inception in 2018. Meanwhile, Prosperity Law’s acquisition of Leeds-based Carrick Read has expanded its service offerings and geographical reach across its existing offices in Liverpool and London. Ed Smethurst, managing partner at Prosperity Law, describes this acquisition as a perfect growth opportunity, enabling a wider base of services.
Additional moves include Weightmans’ acquisition of Anglo-French firm Pierre Thomas Law, enhancing its cross-border travel claims practice with a new team based in London. Irwin Mitchell, following a significant acquisition in Scotland, has added Silk Family Law to its portfolio, thereby increasing its expertise and presence in the North East, highlighted by Ros Bever, director of legal services.
In summary, the professional indemnity insurance renewal deadline continues to serve as a pivotal moment for law firms to pursue strategic mergers and expansions across the UK.
