Regional firm Wollen Michelmore has merged with Barnstaple-based Toller Beattie, a move it says will create a near 200-staff, £10m grossing firm.

Wollen Michelmore has offices in Torquay, Exeter, Barnstaple, Dartmouth and Newton Abbot. The combined firm’s two Barnstaple offices will eventually be consolidated into one.

The deal, according to the firm, will make Wollen Michelmore one of the largest independent law firms in the west country, employing more than 185 people and with an annual turnover of between £9.5 and £10m. It is the second merger in just a few weeks. Earlier this year, Wollen Michelmore merged with Exeter-based Morgan and Pope.

Chris Hart, chief executive, said: ‘This latest merger will complete the firm’s current expansion plans. The combination of the two firms strengthens our position in the legal sector significantly, and offers our clients expertise in every area of law.’

He added: ‘Toller Beattie are a well-known and highly successful solicitors’ practice and with a strong reputation and excellent client relationships across North Devon and beyond. Joining with them significantly strengthens the firm as a whole and its presence in North Devon.’

Gillian Jones, partner at Toller Beattie said: ‘The merging of the two firms will be a means of providing a better, more comprehensive legal service to all our clients across the south west and at the same time will be good for the staff and partners, giving them greater opportunities for career and business development in a much larger firm.’

The merger will take effect on 1 October.