Creating Shakespeare Martineau, Midland firms Shakespeares and SGH Martineau have confirmed they will merge on 15 June with Andy Raynor (pictured, right) acting as chief executive.
The new firm is targeting a combined turnover of £75m with a legal force of around 900 people. It will have offices in Birmingham, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon and Sheffield with one international outpost in Brussels.
Raynor is taking charge at the new firm having only taking up the reigns at Shakespeares in February, succeeding Paul Wilson who had grown revenue from £10m to £50m. Raynor said: ‘I’m delighted with the way this has gone – all our people have worked together brilliantly. Shakespeare Martineau will have a strong commercial personality and the merger demonstrates the commitment of both firms to grow and keep ahead of a rapidly changing and vibrant marketplace.’
The latest in a string of mergers for the acquisitive Shakespeares, which notably combined with Leicester-based stalwart Harvey Ingram in August 2012. In 2013 the firm acquired another Leicester practice, Marrons, as well as Coventry-based Newsome Vaughan while obtaining an alternative business licence to cater for insurance clients.
Emma Shipp, SGH Martineau managing partner (pictured, above left), will lead integration of the two alongside Raynor. She said: ‘Announcing the firm’s merger plans has cemented our shared vision– to be a progressive and distinctive law firm focused on making a difference for our clients.’
michael.west@legalease.co.uk
