A growing firm has continued its spread across the north of England after acquiring a practice dating back some 230 years. Full-service firm Pepperells Solicitors is expected to complete the deal to buy Elmhirst Parkers Solicitors – including its full business and 53 staff members – by the end of this month.

The newly acquired offices in Barnsley, Selby, Royston and Sherburn in Elmet will initially come under the name of Pepperells incorporating Elmhirst Parker before transitioning to the Pepperells brand.

Elmhirst Parker can trace its roots back to 1793 and reported a turnover of £2.6m in 2024/25. The acquisition will help to modernise the firm and strengthen compliance standards.

Chief executive Ben Pepperell said: ‘As a traditional and multi-service practice, Elmhirst Parker perfectly aligns with our values and services, with a strong reputation built across Yorkshire and beyond. However, this is about much more than just heritage, and we at Pepperells continue to look forward as a modern, customer-focused law firm.’

Pepperells was established in Scunthorpe in 1985 and remains in family ownership, employing 180 staff, including 80 fee earners across 16 offices. In 2009, the firm acquired Ivesons Solicitors, followed by Hull firm Myer Wolff Solicitors in 2014, and most recently, staff and departments from Payne & Payne in 2021.

Pepperell said the aim was to retain the firm’s independent outlook whilst continuing to expand. ‘As the business continues to grow, we want to retain the qualities that set Pepperells apart from other firms: as a credible, accessible, and knowledgeable family-run firm,’ he added.