THE takeover of Scottish law firm HBJ Gateley by London-based Addleshaw Goddard will go ahead in June 2017 after both firms backed the deal.
The rationale for the combination is that clients are increasingly looking for pan-UK expertise from their legal advisers, rather than appointing one firm to handle English law and another to deal with Scots law.
HBJ Gateley chairman Malcolm McPherson said the deal is “extremely good news for our clients, our people and our partners”.
“The overwhelming majority of partners at both firms clearly saw the many benefits of the merger strategy and the fact that it positions us very well for further strong growth.
“In particular, we are confident that our cross-border capabilities will quickly lead to an increased pipeline of business, as existing and future clients learn more about the significant advantages this deal will deliver for them.”
The enlarged firm will have 1,100 lawyers working across offices in the UK, Middle East and Asia and will turn over in the region of £220 million, making it one of the largest firms in the UK.
Addleshaw Goddard managing partner John Joyce said the firm now plans to expand further in the UK and internationally.
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