Law firm Knights is set to add almost 200 additional lawyers to the Newcastle-under-Lyme-based business after agreeing two acquisitions worth a combined £31 million.
The company is expanding its presence across the UK through the acquisition of the commercial and private wealth businesses of South East-based Moore Barlow and THP Solicitors, in Reading.
The £4 million acquisition of THP is expected to complete on 25 September, with its specialists joining Knights’ existing team in Reading.
The £27 million deal for Moore Barlow’s commercial and private wealth business is expected to complete on 1 November/ The transaction will follow the separate disposal of Moore Barlow’s Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and Court of Protection business.
The two acquisitions will strengthen Knights’ specialists in Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Private Wealth and Landed Estates, as well as the Education and Charities sectors.
The deals will also give Knights a presence in four new locations – Guildford, Lymington, Richmond and Southampton.
David Beech, CEO of Knights, said the Moore Barlow deal will enable the company to support more clients while creating new opportunities for clients and colleagues.
He has described the Thames Valley, where THP is located, as an important market for Knights with “significant opportunity”.
Talking about the two acquisitions, he said: “This reflects the momentum we continue to see across the business.
“The Lawyer recently recognised Knights as the fastest-growing business in the UK Top 50 rankings, taking us into the top 40 for the first time.
“The acquisition of Moore Barlow demonstrates our continued commitment to building the legal and professional services business of choice across the UK’s regions.”
