Ashfords and Boyes Turner have announced that subject to completion of due diligence and legal agreements they intend to merge from 1 May 2019, concluding a process that began with exploratory negotiations in early 2017. 

Long-term sustainability

The combined firm will have a turnover of £60 million, with 7 offices, 100 partners and 600 staff. A statement says the merger responds to client demands for innovation, efficiency and value and will deliver this through increased sector expertise, strong relationship management and scale of resource. The combined practice area and sector expertise will ensure the long-term sustainable growth of the firm.  Added to this is the mutual desire to innovate and develop services and product lines that support clients beyond their normal periodic transactional legal needs which will be strengthened by the investment power of the combined firm.

Growth strategy

Garry Mackay, chief executive and partner at Ashfords, said ‘Ashfords have grown 76% in the last 6 years and the merger aligns with our firm strategy for moving forward and our drive to ensure our clients always receive the best advice.’ Boyes Turner chief executive and partner Andrew Chalkley said ‘as a leading tech and innovation firm this merger allows for greater growth from our existing strong position. He added, ‘this merger gives us the scale and investment capability to grow, expand our client base and keep pace with our clients’ needs.’