Thames Valley: Boyes Turner calls off merger with Ashfords

The merger between Reading-based law firm Boyes Turner and Ashfords is off. Leading Thames Valley firm Boyes Turner has confirmed that it has ended merger talks with national firm Ashfords.

Boyes Turner chief executive Andrew Chalkley said the firm would now independently build on a strong financial year after concluding that the proposed merger would not be the right move for the business, which has 22 partners and more than 160 staff.

Chalkley said: “We looked very closely into the benefits of this proposed merger but, on balance, we decided that it was not the right decision for Boyes Turner, our people and our clients.

“We have seen double-digit growth in recent years and this has continued into the current financial year. The merger discussions highlighted our strength as a business and the quality of the people we have in our team, so we can look to the future with confidence.

“The long history of the Boyes Turner name will continue in Reading, the Thames Valley and the south east as we build the next stage in our story.

“We of course remain on very good terms with the Ashfords team and we wish them well for the future.”

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.