Deloitte Legal today established itself as flag carrier of the Big Four accountants’ march in to legal services by announcing the acquisition of London technology and digital media specialist Kemp Little.
Agreement has been reached on the terms of the transaction, which will add 29 partners and up to 57 lawyers to Deloitte’s practice upon completion, the firm said. Terms were not disclosed. Following completion, Deloitte Legal is expected to have more than 170 lawyers on its books and total headcount of 370.
Deloitte entered the legal market two years ago as the final member of the ‘Big Four’ to register an alternative business structure as a specialist in employment law and tax litigation: this acquisition would expand its range of services and incorporate a firm in Kemp Little regarded as one of the leaders in its sector.
Founded in 1997, the London-based firm works in commercial technology, corporate, employment, data protection, disputes, IP and financial regulation across a range of sectors including financial services, telecoms, and media and digital solutions. It also develops legal technology products - a field in which Deloitte has a strong interest.
Richard Houston, senior partner and chief executive of Deloitte North and South Europe, said: ‘This transaction marks a key moment in the growth of Deloitte Legal. This demonstrates our confidence and willingness to invest where there is clear market demand.
‘Bringing in the depth of talent in the Kemp Little team, from solicitors to technology specialists, will allow Deloitte Legal to offer clients a much broader range of legal expertise.’
Michael Castle, managing partner for Deloitte Legal in the UK, said today’s announcement was a ‘milestone in the evolution of the delivery of legal solutions’. He added that the firm can now offer end-to-end professional services in areas such as commercial technology and digital media.
3 Readers' comments