A national practice has announced the acquisition of a specialist health and social care firm after it had entered administration.

Top 60 firm HCR Law today said it had added Mayfair, London-based Ridouts with a view to bolstering its healthcare team.

Ridouts Professional Services Limited was placed into administration last week and insolvency firm Turpin Barker Armstrong brought in to handle its affairs.

HCR Law confirmed the business and assets were purchased through a pre-pack acquisition immediately on appointment of the administrators.

The firm said Ridouts owner Paul Ridout and his team will complement its existing national healthcare operation, bringing a particular specialism in acting for care homes, GP practices, children’s homes and home care agencies.

Rebecca Leask, head of healthcare at HCR said: ‘We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Paul and the team, and being able to bolster our offering to existing clients of both HCR and Ridouts.

‘Healthcare providers need access to the full range of legal services, from specialist experts who have a deep understanding of their unique needs. This coming together, enables HCR to provide such a service.’

HCR Law now has more than 800 staff and partners based in 10 offices.

Ridouts was incorporated in 2015 having been founded eight years earlier.

Its most recent financial statement, for the year ended 30 April 2023, showed that the firm had 12 staff and was operating with net liabilities of around £254,000. Cash reserves had almost halved to £165,680 and creditors due to be repaid within the year were owed £1.1m.

Following the sale to HCR, Ridout said: ‘It’s clear to me that our values of client care and our shared focus on supporting the sector are a good match, not only for Ridouts and HCR Law but for healthcare providers who are looking to work with a different type of law firm.’