South-west firms merge to 'plug gap in M4 corridor'

Swindon-based Townsends and Thrings & Long in Bath this week merged creating a 34-strong partnership - one of the biggest in the south-west.

Thrings Townsend will also have 26 solicitors and swell to 250 staff overall.

The firm will have offices in Newbury, Berkshire, and Frome, Somerset, in addition to the existing head offices in Bath and Swindon.

Jeremy Thring of 16-partner Thrings & Long will take over as senior partner of the merged firm.

Nigel Cobb, also of Thrings will become chief executive officer.

Julian George of 18-partner Townsends has been appointed chairman of its management board.

Mr Thring said issues of 'economy of scale' had prompted the merger.

Plugging the gap in the M4 corridor between Reading and Bristol was also attractive.

Sue Allen