Law firm eyes growth through acquisition as it marks 40 years in business
![](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/_files/images/dec_22/Stewart-Vandermark-Nelsons-scaled-e1671711695230-500x402.jpg)
The CEO of an East Midlands law practice has told TheBusinessDesk.com that his firm is looking to grow through the acquisition of smaller regional firms – and has committed its future to Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
Stewart Vandermark says that Nelsons, which was bought earlier this year by private equity-backed Lawfront, will look to grow by snapping up smaller city firms – as well as through continued organic growth.
He told us: “We began speaking with Lawfront around a year ago and got to know them well over a period of time. We recognised early on that there was a nice alliance and that the deal would allow us to stay on our patch and build. There was a good fit and a shared culture.
“We’ll look to grow Nelsons through strategic acquisitions – we’re excited about that.
“One of the reasons we agreed the deal with Lawfront is that they made it very clear why they wanted to retain the Nelsons brand – and the advantages we’d have of becoming part of a bigger group. Lawfront has expertise that is a level up – and we have access to that knowledge.”
Vandermark said that Nelsons was committed to its offices in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham – but wasn’t looking to expand its network outside of those three East Midlands cities.
He added: “The plan is to build in those three cities. We have capacity to grow in all three offices and we want to remain a key player in the markets there – and grow our teams.
“I think it’s become harder and harder to be a small player in the legal sector. The Top 100 firms have become bigger and bigger over the last 10-15 years – it’s become more difficult to be a small firm in the middle.”
Nelsons is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and Vandermark and his team have created 40 pledges for its 40th year in business.
He said: “Some of these initiatives are new, some are existing and ongoing. We wanted to give something back to the local community – and also have a way of celebrating the milestone throughout the year. It’ll set a good foundation as we plan for the next 40 years of Nelsons.”