A growing legal and professional services business is expanding again after agreeing to acquire another law firm.
Knights is taking over Langleys Solicitors LLP, which has offices in York and Lincoln, in an £11.5 million deal which is expected to be completed in March.
The listed firm says the move – which will see 72 fee earners join the business – will allow Knights to further expand its operations in the east of England.
It forms part of Knights' strategy to accelerate its organic growth through 'carefully targeted acquisitions which are a strong cultural fit.'
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David Beech, CEO of Knights – whose registered office is in Staffordshire – said: "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Langleys, a leading firm that has a strong cultural fit with Knights and expertise closely aligned with our existing services.
"The acquisition sees us become the leading law firm in York and provides a strong base for organic growth in the east of England through Lincoln, as we continue to strengthen our position as the leading legal and professional service business outside of London."
Established in 1890, Langleys – which reported revenue of £14 million for the year end March 2021 – specialises in private wealth.
It also operates a legal aid child law (CL) business and a volume residential conveyancing business through a subsidiary, Home Property Lawyers Limited, which have five and 64 fee earners respectively.
Both businesses are included in the deal, but Knights says it will be reviewing the strategic options for them in the future.
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Tim Cross, partner at Langleys, said: "Having built a strong reputation over a number of years, now is the right time to join Knights, whose growth journey we have followed in York and elsewhere across the regions.
"We believe Knights' scale, ambition and ability to invest will enable us to unlock significant growth potential and we look forward to achieving this as part of a larger group."
