Legal firm adds 'strength in depth' with acquisition

A law firm is set to expand with a takeover.

Bendles Solicitors has agreed a deal to buy Atkinson Ritson Solicitors. 

Bosses say the move – set to complete on September 1 – will “strengthen the services both firms provide to their growing client bases”.

They add it will bolster Carlisle-based Bendles Solicitors’ personal and business law operations by adding Atkinson Ritson Solicitors’ expertise across areas including agriculture, family law, commercial and residential property, and wills, trusts and estates.

Under the terms of the deal, Carlisle and Wigton-based Atkinson Ritson Solicitors’ 20-staff team will join Bendles Solicitors, taking the latter’s headcount beyond 100.

The agreement comes just months after Bendles Solicitors – which has further offices in Wigton, Whitehaven, Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen – merged with Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors.

John Stevenson, Bendles Solicitors’ managing partner, said: “This continues our development and adds real expertise and experience to the firm. 

“Atkinson Ritson Solicitors is a well-respected and established firm, and we now have increased strength in depth across a larger geographical footprint. 

“It will be business as usual for both firms, and there will be no disruption to the services we provide or existing relationships.”

Kate Wheeler, Atkinson Ritson Solicitors’ director, added: “We are delighted by the coming together of two long-established firms and look forward to the continuation of excellent service to clients.”

Atkinson Ritson Solicitors was formed following a merger of Cumbrian law firms Atkinson & North, Hetherington Ritson & Company and Saul & Lightfoot. 

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