DWF strengthens insurance practice

LAW firm DWF, which has its head office in Manchester, is strengthening its insurance team with a merger with a niche London practice.

DWF said its combination with Watmores, which has a large client base in the local authority sector,  would add around £2.5m to turnover when the deal completes in May.

Based on Chancery Lane Watmores employs 26 people including five partners and directors, all of whom will move into DWF’s London office.

Managing partner and chief executive Andrew Leaitherland, said: “Watmores has first-rate niche expertise which complements, and will add depth to, our own enabling us to deliver enhanced service to our existing clients and also to grow our client base of insurers, local authorities and rail operators.”

Partner Simon Johnson from Watmores added:”Combining forces with DWF will enable us to capitalise on the firm’s infrastructure, tech capability and reach to strengthen our shared focus and capability in key industry sectors for the benefit of our clients, a significant number of whom we have in common.”