Linder Myers buys historic Lancs firm in pre-pack

ACQUISITIVE North West law firm Linder Myers Solicitors has boosted its presence in Lancashire with the purchase of long-standing practice Dickson Haslam in a pre-pack deal.

Dickson Haslam, which was founded in 1797, employs 20 people at two offices in Preston and Lytham. Its Lytham office is next-door to Linder Myers’ in the seaside town.

The acquisition for an undisclosed sum, is another step towards LM’s fee income goal of £25m by 2015. Partner Paul Stanley and Dean Watson  from the Manchester office of insolvency firm Begbies Traynor handled the insolvency and subsequent sale.
 
Dickson Haslam’s Lytham staff will move into Linder Myers’ office in the town while the Preston office, on Chapel Street, will be retained, giving LM a presence in the city for the first time.
 
Bernard Seymour, managing partner at Linder Myers said: “Dickson Haslam has gained an enviable reputation for providing quality legal services in Lancashire with a long history in the region. I am pleased to welcome the new teams to the business and look forward to building on our combined strengths as we continue to grow the practice.”
 
Dickson Haslam directors David Southern and Raymond Green said: “Dickson Haslam has been providing legal services in Lancashire for more than two centuries however, the current market has been the most challenging in the history of the firm.  

“Linder Myers proved a good cultural and business fit for us with a strong infrastructure allowing us to better service clients and we look forward to working with our new colleagues.”
 
Linder Myers acquired SNG Commercial in Manchester in a pre-pack in October 2012 and Rowlands Field Cunningham just before Christmas 2011.

Joint administrator Paul Stanley said reduced fee income and cash flow pressure had led to the demise of Dickson Haslem. He told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The firm is one of many smaller legal practices that is struggling. Along with funding pressures, there is a lot of competition from major brands and there isn’t the volume of work any more.”