Two regional firms have announced they have bolted on new offices to their expanding businesses through successful mergers.
Midlands firm Alsters Kelley has extended its presence into Oxfordshire after acquiring Banbury-based Aplins Solicitors. The addition of 14 Aplins staff, plus the three current partners, takes the Alsters Kelley headcount past 100 and makes the firm one of the largest in the region, with six offices in total.
Aplins was established almost 200 years ago and specialises in private client work and conveyancing.
Senior partner Philip Waters said the challenges of the current legal market had prompted management to look for a bigger firm with whom to join. ‘After years of operating as a small practice, the time had come for us to seek new opportunities,’ said Waters. ‘The legal landscape has changed significantly during that time, becoming a great deal more complex with the requirement for increased technology.
‘It was however important that we shared the same professional ethics. In a practice such as ours consistency and continuity are essential.’
Alsters Kelley was in a strong financial position according to its most recent statement covering the year to September 2023, with net assets of £1.24m.
Meanwhile, south Wales firm JCP Solicitors has merged with Howe & Spender Solicitors in Port Talbot to create a business with an annual turnover of £11m.
The Howe & Spender team will be retained along with additional apprentices, trainees and qualified solicitors. Director Ian Spender will join JCP as a director in the lifetime planning team.
JCP already has offices in Swansea, Carmarthen, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Cowbridge and Haverfordwest and wants its latest merger to boost the long-term development of Port Talbot.
Chief executive Hayley Davies said: ‘Now is the time for businesses to consider investment in the town; the region is rife for regeneration opportunities as the business community diversifies. We will be delighted to support commercial and private clients across all areas of law, playing a key role in the regeneration of this resurgent seafront town.’
The merger will be completed on 11 August.
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