Penningtons advises AphaLAW sale to Iris

London and South East law firm Penningtons Solicitors LLP has advised AlphaLAW – rated top legal software supplier in six categories in an independent survey carried out by the Law Society – on its sale to Iris Software Group, the largest privately owned software and services business in the UK.

Penningtons was instructed by father and son John and Simon Meehan, the shareholders of AlphaLAW (the trading name for Management Support Systems). They have specialised in the design, supply, and support of computer based legal management systems for over 30 years. AlphaLAW is one of the few Law Society recommended software solution providers. It is also a founder member of the Legal Software Suppliers Association (LSSA) and attained gold certified status in the Microsoft partner programme.

The sale of the issued share capital of the company to Computer Software Group, part of Iris Software Group, will ensure the continued development of AlphaLAW. Commenting on the transaction, Simon Meehan said: "This will provide AlphaLAW customers with access to the resources and investment of a major software house that understands the changing needs of the legal sector."

Iris Software Group has over 5,000 law firms, barristers' chambers and coroners as clients and is the leading provider of software and services to both the legal and accountancy professions.

Penningtons' business services team, led by partner Charles Brooks, advised the shareholders of AlphaLAW on the corporate sale as well as on intellectual property, property, employment and tax matters. Brooks said: "We were pleased to advise on a deal which achieved a very satisfactory outcome for two leaders in their field. Our own personal knowledge of the products they provide added an extra dimension to our involvement in the transaction."

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP acted for Iris Software Group.