Knights expands reach with record deal

A law firm has strengthened its position in the South East with a multi-million-pound takeover.

Knights has bought IBB Law LLP for an initial £21 million, adding 140 lawyers to its growing national team of more than 1100 staff. 

An additional £9 million will be paid in three annual instalments subject to conditions, with completion expected to take place on April 4.

Bosses say the deal, which marks Knights largest acquisition to date, will “significantly increase” Knights’ presence in the region, complementing existing teams in Newbury, Oxford and Weybridge, and providing “a strong platform for organic growth”.

David Beech, chief executive of Knights, which is headquartered in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in Staffordshire, said: “We are delighted to welcome the IBB team to Knights, significantly increasing our scale in the South East. 

“Their premium corporate, real estate and private wealth services, culture and operational model are an excellent fit.”

IBB, which reported £23 million revenues in 2024, operates across Ascot, Beaconsfield, Reading and Uxbridge.

Joanna DeBiase, managing partner, added: “We are excited about joining Knights at a time of structural change in our industry.

“It will allow us to provide broader services to clients, strong career opportunities for our people and capitalise on our momentum with the benefit of strong central support.

“We look forward to working closely with the team to unlock the significant market opportunities in the South East as part of the larger group.”

Knights’ office estate stretches across the UK and includes sites in Carlisle, Newcastle, Stockton, Leeds, Sheffield and York.

It has further bases in Birmingham, Brighton, Cheltenham, Chester, Leicester, Nottingham, Oxford, Portsmouth, Stoke, Weybridge and Wilmslow.

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