Fletchers lays claim to Haydock law firm in further buy and build move

Fletchers - St James's Tower

Private equity backed law firm Fletchers is to acquire Scott Rees & Co Solicitors.

The deal will see 97 fee earners and support staff from the firm’s personal injury and clinical negligence teams transfer to Fletchers once the deal completes at the end of February 2025.

Based in Newton-le-Willows, Scott Rees was founded in 1992 and specialises in employers’ liability, public liability, fatal accident claims and clinical negligence.

Scott Rees’s Managing Partner, Royston Smith, will stay with the firm post announcement to support the business through the transition to Fletchers next month. Fletchers’ Charlene Mann will then take over the reins and lead the Scott Rees business through the integration period, which is expected to last until summer 2025.

The team will continue to operate from the office near Haydock Park Racecourse, and the brand will remain in place for the time being.

Peter Haden

Peter Haden, Fletchers Group CEO, said the acquisition was the latest step in a strategy to scale up by acquiring great companies with high-quality people and equally high-quality case work.

He said: “Scott Rees is a successful North West law firm built on high standards of client service and professionalism, making it a great fit with Fletchers.”

“We are wholly committed to long-term growth in the personal injury sector, where Scott Rees is already well-established, and we warmly welcome our new colleagues into the Group to strengthen our legal practice and build on their success.”

The amount paid hasn’t been disclosed, but Scott Rees had income of around £22m in 2024.

The acquisition is the second in a year for Fletchers, following the deal to buy Serious Injury Law in February 2024. Haden made it clear that Fletchers plans to continue its buy and build strategy, having agreed acquisition financing with Pemberton Asset Management in June, as well as the continued backing of owner Sun European Partners, which creates further headroom for M&A.

“Our team is keen to talk to owners of personal injury and clinical negligence law firms who are attracted by the opportunity to join a successful growth-oriented law practice with a great working culture and the right core values, to further our mission to rebuild people’s lives after they’ve suffered serious, life changing injuries.”

“Just as Fletchers will provide Scott Rees colleagues with more opportunities for personal and professional growth and development, so we are keen to welcome other individuals and firms to experience the same.”

Commenting on the deal, Royston Smith, Managing Partner at Scott Rees said: “I echo Peter in saying this is a fantastic opportunity for our people and the clients we serve.”

“It is the right move at the right time. Fletchers has the capability, access to cases, and investment support to ensure long-term growth and provide colleagues with more opportunities for career progression.”

He added: “It’s clear that consolidation in the personal injury sector is accelerating, and I am convinced that Fletchers will be one of the winners in this rapidly changing market.”

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