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Farleys Solicitors, part of Lawfront, has acquired a Lancashire firm with a history dating back to 1817. The acquisition of Clitheroe-based Houldsworth Solicitors is described as marking the latest step in Farleys’ growth in the North West.
The deal expands the firm’s presence in Lancashire, strengthening its ability to provide businesses, individuals and families across the Ribble Valley and surrounding areas with a broad range of legal services.
The acquisition will see all Houldsworth Solicitors employees retained, ensuring continuity for clients while integrating the team into a larger regional business with wider expertise, enhanced resources and the backing of fast-growing legal services group Lawfront.
The addition of Houldsworth Solicitors builds on Farleys’ previous acquisitions, including the takeover of Rawtenstall-based Mulderrigs Solicitors in 2023 and the acquisition of Wigan firm Alker Ball Healds in 2025.
Amanda Hall, Managing Director at Houldsworth Solicitors (pictured above with Farleys' Ian Liddle), said: "Houldsworth has been part of the Clitheroe and Ribble Valley community for generations, and it was important to us that any move protected the relationships we have built with our clients while creating new opportunities for our team.”
"Becoming part of Farleys allows us to continue delivering the local service our clients know and trust, while giving them access to a broader range of expertise and resources as their needs evolve."
Farleys Solicitors Managing Partner Ian Liddle added: “Retaining the full team was extremely important to us, both to protect the trusted relationships Houldsworth has built with its clients and to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.”
"We’re a proud Lancashire firm and this acquisition allows us to strengthen our presence in the area while protecting the local relationships and personal approach that clients value."
Lawfront Chief Executive Peter Martin-Simon said that the group backed its regional businesses to accelerate their growth ambitions and called Farleys' latest acquisition "another positive demonstration of our commitment to investing in our firms."
Find out more about Lawfront's story and the firm's M&A strategy in our exclusive interview with CEO Neil Lloyd and COO Axel Koelsch
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