City law firm expands insurance offering with new acquisition

LAW firm DWF, which has a strong presence in Birmingham, has strengthened its position in the marketplace with a new acquisition.

The firm is to acquire niche law firm Fox Hartley to strengthen its insurance, litigation and product liability capability. The deal will also enhance the firm’s sector expertise and help secure new domestic and international insurer clients.
 
Bristol-based Fox Hartley, which employs 16 people – including three partners, is said to have significant experience in delivering specialist litigation and alternative dispute resolution services for major insurer and manufacturer clients, including a number of shared clients with DWF.

The firm acts for UK and global insurers, in relation to catastrophic injury, aviation claims, property damage, business interruption, policy wording disputes and the development of new products.

DWF said the merger would support its growing focus on the Lloyd’s insurance market and enhance its delivery of high value commercial litigation work. In addition, Fox Hartley will benefit from DWF’s scale, operational efficiency and international reach.
 
DWF’s 900-strong insurance team includes 32 insurance specialists in Birmingham. It is already one of the top three insurance law firms in the UK, and the merger will allow it to develop its offering to clients including QBE – which also has a base in Birmingham, Travelers and Zurich.

DWF will also benefit from Fox Hartley’s close links to French, German, Japanese and Swedish insurance markets.

Caroline Coates, Executive Partner of DWF’s Birmingham office, said: “Fox Hartley has excellent litigation and insurance specialists with niche expertise that will complement our existing teams and sector expertise and help us secure new clients. This merger presents significant advantages and opportunities for both firms, our people and our clients.”
 
DWF in Birmingham employs 127 people and has 22 partners.