The UK’s largest regional legal services business, Knights, has arrived in the Thames Valley after completing the acquisition of IBB Law for an initial £21 million.
The acquisition brings more than 140 experienced professionals to Knights across strong corporate, real estate and private client teams in Ascot, Beaconsfield, Reading and Uxbridge.
They join a team of more than 1,200 professionals delivering premium legal services to businesses and private clients from 28 locations nationwide.
The acquisition increases Knights’ presence in the South East – complementing the reputation of teams in nearby Newbury, Oxford and Weybridge.
David Beech, CEO of Knights, said:
"Welcoming the team to Knights is a significant moment for our business. Bringing so many talented professionals to Knights gives us even more opportunity to offer great service at an unrivalled scale.
“The strengthening of our presence in the South East also marks a milestone in our mission to be the business people turn to for professional services everywhere in the UK. Our four new offices are a strong platform for growth and we can’t wait for the team to get going.”
In addition to corporate, real estate and private wealth expertise – which will complement Knights’ already strong team nationwide – other specialist teams, including in franchising, bolster the team at Knights.
The acquisition gives people and businesses in the Thames Valley access to specialists right across the UK’s largest regional legal services business – helping them to tackle any challenge or opportunity.
Joanna DeBiase, Partner at Knights and former Managing Partner at IBB, said:
"We are excited about joining Knights at a time of structural change in our industry, where being part of a business of scale with a premium, national reputation is ever more important for all of our stakeholders – allowing us to provide broader services to our clients, strong career opportunities for our people, and to capitalise on our momentum, with the benefit of strong central support.
"We look forward to working closely with the team to unlock the significant market opportunities in the South East as part of the larger group.”
The total value of the acquisition is £30 million: this comprises an initial £21 million and an additional £9m paid in three annual instalments subject to conditions.
Knights’ latest acquisition aligns with plans for organic growth through selective, considered acquisitions and the intention to double the size of the business in the coming years.