Druces has announced its merger with Ronaldsons, the London-based law firm, as part of its continued strategic growth and development. Two corporate partners, one commercial litigation partner and one property consultant will join Druces from Ronaldsons on 3 April 2018, together with an associate and several support staff. The merger, which represents £1.5 million additional fee income for Druces, significantly strengthens Druces’ capital markets practice with respected partners Stephen Ronaldson and Dominic Traynor joining the team. It follows Druces’ recent appointments of partners David Bennett and David Smith to the corporate practice. Following the merger, Druces’ will rank as a top 15 UK law firm for the number of AIM listed clients alongside BLP and Norton Rose Fulbright, according to the most recent Corporate Advisers Rankings Guide. (Ronaldsons is currently ranked 23rd.)

Double digit financial growth

The merger also adds strength to Druces’ commercial litigation group with the addition of partner Neil Hayter and to the property practice with consultant Roger France-Hayhurst. Roy Campbell, senior partner at Druces, said: 'It’s an exciting time for Druces. We have just celebrated our 250th anniversary and are going from strength to strength - we’re on track to announce a fourth year of double digit financial growth. This merger with the well respected Ronaldsons significantly strengthens our Capital Markets practice in particular - a key focus for us. Ronaldsons is a natural fit for us with a similar culture and values and shared practices and clients. We look forward to welcoming them to the firm.'

Positive outcome for clients

Stephen Ronaldson, senior partner at Ronaldsons, said: 'We are delighted to merge with Druces. This will complement our existing strengths and enable clients to benefit from Druces broader competencies and skill sets. I can only see a positive outcome for our clients.'