Partners snub merger

Top south-west firm Bond Pearce has merged with 16-partner Bristol-based Cartwrights to create a 63-partner practice; however, four insurance partners from the smaller firm are spinning off to create Cartwrights Insurance Partners.Simon Richardson, managing partner of Bond Pearce - which will retain its name - said the merger provided 'exciting opportunities' for both firms.

He added: 'It creates an enhanced capability, especially where we service clients in similar sectors to Cartwrights.'Cartwrights specialises in food and drink retailing, hotels and leisure, gaming and transport.

Bond Pearce specialises in retail, distribution and regulatory work.Christopher Eskell, Cartwrights' managing partner, said he looked forward to integrating into Bond Pearce, where 'the resources of of a larger firm will allow us to develop further'.

He said the departure of Cartwrights Insurance Partners was amicable, adding that the lawyers needed greater independence and focus to achieve business objectives.Richard Ottley, one of the four partners said: 'To grow the business when you are based in a firm with three different specialisms is not always easy.' The new firm will move out of Cartwrights' office, where the Bond Pearce lawyers will remain.Exeter-based Bond Pearce, with offices in London, Leeds, Southampton, and Bristol, now has 280 solicitors.Jeremy Fleming