Yorkshire law firm to be acquired in £20.1m deal

A Yorkshire law firm has been acquired by a national law group in a multi-million pound deal.

Shulmans, which is based in Leeds, has been bought by Knights Group for £20.1m, with the deal set to be complete on Friday 24 April.

Knights also bought West Sussex law firm ASB Law in a £8.5m deal, and has announced plans to raise £20m to fund the pair of acquisitions.

Knights chief executive David Beech said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisitions of Shulmans and ASB today, marking our entry into two new and important markets with the addition of these quality full service commercial law firms.

“With their ambitious teams and progressive approach to law, both firms are a strong cultural fit with Knights and provide an exciting platform for growth in their respective regions, in line with our strategy to build the leading legal and professional services business outside London.”

Tim Halstead, managing partner of Shulmans, added: “We have achieved significant growth in recent years to become a leading independent law firm in the North.

“Having worked alongside Knights previously, we believe its collegiate approach, range of services and broad client base will provide an excellent match for us to continue to grow as part of the wider group.”