Fri, 13 Feb 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
West Midlands-based law firm Higgs LLP has completed its first acquisition since securing private equity backing last year. The firm has acquired Scottish legal group Vialex in a deal that establishes a new base in Edinburgh and marks a significant step in its UK growth.
Vialex is a provider of corporate and commercial legal services, with customers spanning high growth, mid-market and private equity-backed owner managed businesses. The firm also has a specialist employment law arm, Navigator Employment Law.
Higgs LLP secured investment from August Equity in August 2025, which gave the company the backing to pursue M&A opportunities that both expand its regional and national presence and broaden its service offering.
Prior to securing backing from August Equity, Higgs had completed two small M&A deals, acquiring Lewis Onions in 2024 and M.R. Timms last year.
Nick Taylor, Chief Executive of Higgs, said that acquiring Vialex and Navigator Employment Law “further strengthens our already well-regarded corporate, commercial and employment capabilities, and gives us a strong base in Scotland from which to support clients across the UK and beyond.”
He continued: "The commercial approach and sector expertise offered by Vialex and Navigator Employment Law are an excellent fit with our own."
Post-acquisition, the combined Vialex and Navigator Employment Law teams will continue to operate from Edinburgh. Vialex Chief Executive Keith Anderson said that the firm had been seeking support to expand its corporate and commercial services and reach for some time, describing Higgs as a perfect fit.
He added: "From our base here in Edinburgh, this transaction allows us to broaden our offering to our many clients who have business interests or an existing footprint in England and Wales."
Navigator Employment Law Managing Director Gareth McKnight said that the deal would provide “the platform to grow our employment law offering and provide even greater support to our clients.”
McKnight continued: "Navigator's employment and health and safety expertise, combined with Higgs' established practice, creates a compelling proposition for businesses and other organisations operating in today's complex employment and regulatory landscape."
In accounts for the year to November 30 2024, Higgs LLP reported turnover of £22.8 million, up from £20.2 million a year earlier, while operating profit rose from just under £6 million to £6.7 million.
Find out how mid-sized legal firms can boost their growth through M&A
This thriving business services company in Dublin has carved out a niche with key clients in the high-growth blockchain and payments sectors, boasting impressive margins.
This Hertfordshire-based practice offers a well-established client base and meaningful staff relationships built over the past 25 to 30 years, providing a smooth transition and a quality platform for future growth.
This well-established dental practice in Cumbria offers a strong foundation with a mixed client base, predominantly private patients, and is ideally situated in an affluent area, making it a lucrative opportunity for growth in private dentistry.
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.