Mon, 12 Aug 2024 | BUSINESS SALE
Two law firms in Dorset have joined forces in a strategic acquisition intended to boost growth. Ellis Jones Solicitors’ acquisition of fellow south coast practice Scott Walby significantly strengthens its presence in Wimborne and Poole, Dorset.
The deal adds a second Wimborne office to Ellis Jones’ existing base in the town and complements its current portfolio of branches in Bournemouth, London, Swanage, Ringwood and Poole.
The acquisition will also see Scott Walby’s seven-person team transfer to join Ellis Jones’ nearly 200-strong team, which spans specialist solicitors and a range of other legal staff. Scott Walby partners John Bulpit and Malcolm Scott Walby (pictured above) will become partner and consultant solicitor at Ellis Jones, respectively, and will continue to work from the former Scott Walby office in Wimborne.
Scott Walby was founded in 2005 and is known for specialisms in company and commercial law, including management buyouts (MBOs), contracts and employment law, as well as private and commercial property, wills, trusts and probate.
Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith commented: "This is a significant acquisition for us, offering a hugely attractive growth opportunity and strengthening our service proposition for clients.”
"Malcolm is a commercial law specialist with a particular interest in company/commercial and employment law. Likewise, John is a well-regarded commercial property expert and brings with him a loyal client following of developers and property investors.”
Malcolm Scott Walby said that the deal was “an ideal way for our two firms to pool our legal experience and share in the success of a combined, full-service practice."
The acquisition is Ellis Jones’ first in eight years, following its 2016 takeover of Bournemouth-based criminal and motoring law practice JM Law, and comes at a time of significant growth in legal sector M&A activity.
Read more about M&A trends in the UK legal sector:
Slumbering legal sector wakes up with a surge in dealmaking
Lawfront – Setting the pace in legal M&A
This well-established Kent-based practice boasts a high-quality client base with strong revenue potential, thanks to average fees exceeding £1,700 and clients that predominantly consist of limited companies.
Working with a prominent client in the investment banking industry, the company delivers turnkey project management services to support its client’s real-estate programme.
This is a prime opportunity to acquire a leading provider of environmental noise and air quality services with a robust presence in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
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