Ward Hadaway and Endeavour in merger talks

Two law firms are in talks over a potential merger.

Ward Hadaway and The Endeavour Partnership are in discussions over an alliance.

Bosses say the move would “create a stronger, more diverse business to serve clients even better”.

They add due diligence is now being carried out, with further work underway to “evaluate how a combined entity could create opportunities for growth”.

Ward Hadaway employs more than 500 staff and operates offices in Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester, while The Endeavour Partnership works from a base in Thornaby, near Stockton.

Ward Hadaway is known for delivering services across areas including construction, employment law, data protection, licensing and tax, with The Endeavour Partnership providing support in areas such as commercial property, corporate recovery and insolvency, dispute resolution and employment law and HR.

Steven Petrie, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, said: “This is an exciting time for both firms.

“By joining forces, we have the potential to expand our wider legal offering within the North East and beyond, and create a stronger, more diverse business to serve our clients even better.”

Lee Bramley, managing partner at The Endeavour Partnership, added: “The possibility of combining our strengths represents an incredible opportunity.

“Together, we can achieve scale that will drive innovation and deliver even greater value to our people and our clients.”

The merger talks come just days after Ward Hadaway posted record financial results, with annual revenue rising seven per cent to £48 million.

Officials described the increase as a “significant milestone in the firm’s history”, revealing it leaves the business well placed to hit a £100 million target by 2034.

Profit remained steady at £17.24 million.

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