Law firm HBJ Gateley will be rebranded following confirmation it is being swallowed up in a merger with Addleshaw Goddard.
HBJ, which has an Aberdeen office on Rubislaw Terrace, employs 134 lawyers across its three offices in Scotland.
London-headquartered Addleshaws, which has 770 lawyers across offices including Leeds and Manchester, said there would be some overlap in terms of the two firms clients but that the move would be “largely complimentary” in terms of client portfolios.
The tie-up with HBJ comes after efforts to merge with another Scottish law firm, Maclay Murray and Spens, foundered earlier this year.
Partners of both firms voted “by an overwhelming majority” to support the union, while the combined practice will have over 230 partners, more than 1,100 lawyers and fee income of around £224million.
HBJ chairman Malcolm McPherson, will join the board of the enlarged firm. He said: “The combination of two such capable and growing firms is extremely good news for our clients, our people and our partners. The overwhelming majority of partners at both firms clearly saw the many benefits of the merger strategy and the fact that it positions us very well for further strong growth.
“In particular, we are confident that our cross-border capabilities will quickly lead to an increased pipeline of business, as existing and future clients learn more about the significant advantages this deal will deliver for them.”
The deal marks an end to HBJ’s alliance with listed law firm Gateley which was forged in 2006. Gateley, based in Birmingham, was the first UK law firm to float on the London Stock Exchange in 2015, although this did not include HBJ due to differing rules affecting law firm business structures in Scotland.
John Joyce, managing partner, Addleshaw Goddard said: “We have for a while had an ambition to be present in Scotland and so are delighted with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the partners, clients and staff of both firms. Overall, it’s a great fit for our clients and our people and we are looking forward to realising the collective benefits of our enhanced geographical reach, increased practice and sector bench-strength and flexibility in our delivery approach.
“This important development is just one aspect of our strategic ambitions and we remain committed to further expansion internationally and in the UK.”
