Press Release
28 August 2009
McGrigors and L'Estrange & Brett merge
National law firm McGrigors today (28 August 2009) announced that it is to merge with leading Northern Irish law firm L'Estrange & Brett. The merged firm will be Northern Ireland's first major law firm to offer national reach. As part of the merger the Belfast offices of McGrigors and L'Estrange & Brett will be integrated and will create one of Northern Ireland's largest law firms with a total of over forty lawyers and a total headcount of approximately 100.
Richard Masters, managing partner at McGrigors, said:
"We have had a long-standing commitment to the Northern Ireland market, having opened our own office in Belfast in 2000. We wanted to strengthen our market position and gain critical mass and this deal achieves that in one stroke. L'Estrange & Brett is a good fit for McGrigors with excellent synergies across the practice areas and a common focus on quality. The merger reflects our plans for growing our business through joining up with firms where there is an excellent strategic and cultural fit."
Brian Henderson, senior partner at L'Estrange & Brett, said:
“The merger allows us to become part of a UK wide practice – the first move of its kind by a leading Northern Ireland firm. It means we will be able to offer our existing and future clients a greater range of services, including specialist services, not currently available in Northern Ireland, as well as a greater geographical reach. We see it as an important strategic move, which will also help us build on existing business gains in the UK and Ireland. A big attraction for us was the fact that McGrigors know the market in Northern Ireland and so recognise the importance of continuing to service the needs of our clients here too. Overall, we see the merger as a real opportunity for growth – which will be good for Northern Ireland.”
The merger is due to complete on 1 October. The staff in McGrigors’ Belfast office will move to L'Estrange & Brett's offices at Arnott House on Bridge Street. The merged firm will act under the McGrigors name.
Andy Peat
Business Development Director
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7054 2710
Mobile: +44 (0)7894 835 386
Email: andy.peat@mcgrigors.com
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