Mace & Jones in Weightmans merger talks
NATIONAL law firm Weightmans is in merger talks with North West firm Mace & Jones, it emerged today.
Weightmans, which has offices in Liverpool and Manchester, said it hoped to “agree terms shortly” with Liverpool, Manchester and Knutsford-based Mace & Jones.
The firm is also in talks with London and Kent practice Vizards Wyeth.
Patrick Gaul, managing partner of Weightmans said: “There is no formal agreement in place at this stage but we are optimistic that we can come to terms within a reasonable time frame.
“We have spent some time already looking at the strategy and the vision and we are at a stage now where we are investigating whether a mutually acceptable deal can be put together and we would anticipate being able to make a further announcement shortly.”
In November, Weightmans said it was on track to hit £60m turnover this year having topped its half-year billing target. In the 2009-10 financial year its fee income was £56.2m.
Liverpool is its head office, and is home to around 500 of its 900-strong team. It is particularly strong in insurance and public sector work.
Mace & Jones has 34 partners across its three offices. It offers a full commercial service as well as family.
According to Chambers 2010 its strengths are employment law, social housing, family and construction.
