Insider's August Deal of the Month
The consolidation of smaller Midlands law firms continues apace, says Sam Metcalf, assistant editor at Midlands Business Insider. He discusses HCB Solicitors' acquisition of Walsall-based Hadens, Insider's Deal of the Month.
"Smaller firms are now acquiring or merging simply to survive in a very polarised market," says Metcalf. "Another example of this comes this month with West Midlands law firm HCB Solicitors acquiring Hadens, a Walsall practice, bringing the number of staff at the firm to more than 100.
"The move will see the two firms create a multi-disciplinary offer, which many see as vital at the lower end of the market."
Alongside the Walsall site, Hadens now has offices in Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Redditch, Alcester and Lichfield.
Over the past three years, the firm has grown into a multi-partner practice with more than 100 members of staff across the West Midlands.
Hadens has four partners and a staff of 40 across its individual client services and business services divisions.
It specialises in family and employment law as well as conveyancing, dispute resolution, commercial property, credit management, debt recovery and company law.
"Hadens clearly fits well into the HCB portfolio," adds Metcalf. "HCB has grown quickly, and each acquisition it makes brings an extra specialism to the table. It’s a trend we’re seeing in both the East and the West Midlands, and one that is likely to continue the top, middle and smaller end of the market.
"Clients now want to see be dealing with a multi-disciplinary law firm, and the latest round of mergers and takeovers reflects just that."
