Private equity firm Aliter Capital has consolidated two of its law firms into a newly rebranded legal group – Orwins – which has invested in a third firm, Clarkslegal.
Orwins is comprised of Manchester’s BBS Law, which Aliter first invested in back in October 2024, and London’s Carter Bond, which it took a stake in last August. Orwins today (28 May) invested in Reading-based nine-partner commercial firm Clarkslegal, which will become part of the Orwins brand later this year.
Dov Black, chief executive of Orwins, said: “The launch of our new identity comes at a pivotal time for the business. We are totally enthused about the new branding, which reflects our core values and creates the ideal foundations for future growth.”
Orwins is seeking to build a full-service national law firm that is focused on high growth businesses and high net worth individuals.
Speaking about the Clarkslegal investment, Black said: “From the outset, there was clear cultural alignment between our two firms. Clarkslegal has an entrepreneurial, client-focused ethos very similar to our own and a complementary client base. They also have an exceptionally strong, talented team which further enhances the breadth and depth of our service offer.”
The firm now has 150 staff across three commercial hubs in London, Manchester and Reading, with combined revenue of £23m. It says it is aiming to double its revenue size to more than £50m over the next two years.
Monica Atwal, managing partner at Clarkslegal, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter. BBS Law and Carter Bond, now united under Orwins, share a common ethos, culture and ambition with Clarkslegal. This investment will enable us to enhance the services we provide to our valued clients now and in the future, while giving our team a strong platform on which we can grow and thrive.”
The Clarkslegal deal comes amid a wave of private equity investment in the legal industry. A report published last year by Acquira Professional Services found that PE investment into the UK legal sector had hit a record high of £554m in 2024. Acquira noted in that report that many PE firms are looking to profit through a buy-to-build model, acquiring a ‘platform’ law firm and then bolting on smaller practices with complementary expertise.
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