Fri, 03 Oct 2025 | MBO/MBI
A solicitors firm based in West and North Yorkshire has been acquired by three members of its management team through a management buyout (MBO). The MBO of AWB Charlesworth Solicitors ensures the company remains under independent ownership.
AWB Charlesworth, which operates from three offices in Skipton, Bradford and Keighley, recently celebrated generating record-high annual revenue. The firm claims to be one of the region’s most established firms, with clients across North Yorkshire, the Aire Valley and further afield.
The firm has expertise across both business and personal law, providing advice on legal matters including commercial law, litigation, property and wills, trusts and probate.
The company, which comprises a team of 24 legal experts, was originally formed through the combination of four Yorkshire legal practices: the former Armstrong Wood & Bridgman LLP Solicitors in Keighley; Charlesworth Wood and Brown in Skipton, which dates back more than 250 years; Worger Howcroft of Bingley and Umberto Vietri Business Lawyers.
The MBO was led by directors Jenny Barron, Declan Hayes and James Dunn, who now take on the roles of Head of Marketing, Managing Director and Head of Finance, respectively. The transaction was supported by Head of Operations Felicity Green, Head of Litigation Chris Cooper, Head of Private Client Mark Shaw and Claire Roberts, head of the firm’s Bradford office.
The buyout was fully supported by AWB Charlesworth’s exiting shareholders Umberto Vietri and David Tear, who will remain in their senior roles in company and commercial law and litigation post-transaction.
Vietri commented: “AWB Charlesworth are in a fortunate position right now. We’re embedded in the community, serving local families and businesses across multiple generations, and this has proven to be the bedrock of our success. We will continue to build the firm, based on our long-standing principles of professionalism, expertise and excellent customer service.”
Hayes added: “We are pleased that we retain Umberto and David, and their knowledge, expertise and significant reputation. While additionally, we are perfectly placed to take on new opportunities and create sustainable growth, with the ambitious new management team.”
In a challenging exit market, MBOs are becoming an increasingly popular succession option for UK owners
This well-established accountancy practice in Essex boasts a profitable track record and a loyal, long-standing client base.
This South West-based practice, available for the first time, offers a strong-quality client base predominantly consisting of limited companies, with average annual fees surpassing £3,000.
This South East UK-based practice, presents a remarkable opportunity to acquire a well-established business with long-standing client and staff relationships, promising continuity and stability.
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