Reading: Boyes Turner to merge with Ashfords to create £60m legal firm
Thames Valley-based law firm Boyes Turner has announced it is merging with national law firm Ashfords.
Subject to completion of due diligence and legal agreements the two firms intend to merge from May 1, 2019, concluding a process that began with exploratory negotiations in early 2017. The combined firm will have a turnover of £60 million, with seven offices, 100 partners and 600 staff.
The Thames Valley will be a key focus of the new firm, with Reading being the second largest office in the firm’s network.
A statement said: "The combined practice area and sector expertise will ensure the long-term sustainable growth of the firm. Added to this is the mutual desire to innovate and develop services and product lines that support clients beyond their normal periodic transactional legal needs which will be benefited by the investment power of the combined firm."
Boyes Turner chief executive and partner Andrew Chalkley said: "As a leading tech and innovation firm this merger allows for greater growth from our existing strong position. The firm has seen double-digit growth in recent years and is already 12% up on the same point last year. This merger gives us the scale and investment capability to grow, expand our client base and keep pace with our clients’ needs. The combined firm will enable us to provide even more value to our clients as we will be able to offer a wider range of skills and service lines."
Garry Mackay, chief executive and partner at Ashfords, said: "Ashfords have grown 76% in the last 6 years and the merger aligns with our firm strategy for moving forward and our drive to ensure our clients always receive the best advice. Having spent a lot of time with individuals at Boyes Turner it was clear that culturally both firms are like-minded. This was an imperative part of any deal as this enables us to retain the positive, rewarding and fair working environment Ashfords has a reputation for. The merger will provide enhanced progression opportunities and allow the firm to attract and retain talent."
Based in the Thames Valley with 22 partners, over 55 other lawyers and more than 160 staff, Boyes Turner is ranked by both Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession and The Legal 500 as one of the UK’s leading regional law firms and a “regional heavyweight”. Over two thirds of its partners are rated as leaders in their fields by the legal directories.
Ashfords LLP is a national provider of legal, regulatory and professional services. The firm employs over 500 people across its six offices in Exeter, London, Bristol, Taunton, Tiverton and Plymouth. Ashfords provides international advice through its ADVOC network, with representation in over 60 countries.
