Mergers and acquisitions are becoming more and more prominent in today’s legal market. With Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) becoming very difficult for smaller firms, it is no surprise that the option of merging with / joining a larger practice as a bolt-on is becoming an ever more popular decision to take.
Gemma Jones, Director at eNL commented “the pattern is not restricted to any particular area of the country; the announcement of mergers and acquisitions is prevalent across the legal press nationwide. Maintaining fresh growth strategies remains a challenge for most firms, with an increase in revenue a core driver for all legal practices”.
eNL is continuing to see an increase in the number of instructions from firms looking to initiate merger discussions with smaller practices – A popular strategy to help bolster their current service offering and a good way of diversifying into other areas of law, spreading their geographical reach or an alternative route to the market and clients.
Unlike many other business brokers, eNL (Executive Network Legal) operates solely within the legal sector. From high street/generalist practices to niche specialists and larger law firms, eNL represents many clients looking to sell or merge their business. Our aim is to help firms to deliver accelerated growth and to identify potential M&A opportunities.
Recent M & A activity within the legal market includes law firm Squire Sanders who are in preliminary merger discussions with Washington-based public policy and lobbying firm Patton Boggs. In addition, Speechly Bircham and Charles Russell have announced that they are in talks over a possible combination that would create a UK top 25 law.
If you are a small firm looking to potentially merge or a larger practice seeking to acquire a bolt-on, then please do call Gemma for a confidential discussion – 0207 183 8586 or email gemma.jones@enllegal.co.uk
Author: Gemma Jones, eNL Director. Gemma is a Certified Recruitment Professional (CertRP) and Member of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (MIRP). She specialises in mergers & acquisitions, placing qualified legal professionals and legal teams across the London and South East region.