Law firm Farleys expands further with acquisition deal for Wigan solicitors
Lancashire law firm, Farleys, part of legal services group Lawfront, has acquired Wigan-based law firm Alker Ball Healds Solicitors (ABH), for an undisclosed sum.
The deal, which will see ABH continuing as a trading name of Farleys, and all 32 staff remaining, adds to the firm’s existing expertise and brings a wider full-service legal offering to Wigan and the wider borough.
The move is the second deal since Farleys joined Lawfront in 2022.
ABH was formed in 2014, following a merger between Wigan law firms Alker & Ball and Healds Solicitors, which had had a local presence in Wigan dating back to 1852.
Led by joint managing directors Gary Shepherd and Keith Whitehead, ABH has developed a strong and trusted reputation with clients both locally and nationwide, with expertise in commercial litigation, commercial property, corporate and a range of private client services including family, residential property, personal injury and wills and probate.
Daniel Draper, managing partner at Farleys, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Farleys and will unlock many more opportunities for our firm as we look to build upon the existing well known brand, quality service and strong client base that are already associated with the ABH name in the local community.
“We also look forward to building the team further through recruitment in the local area.”
Gary Shepherd said: “It is great to be joining a forward-thinking team of people who share our down to earth values, and a focus on delivering straightforward legal advice.
“When the opportunity presented itself to join Farleys, we knew that it was the right fit culturally for our people and our clients, who will all benefit from the greater resource that Farleys as a Lawfront firm can provide.”
Keith Whitehead said: “We have built a fantastic team of skilled and trusted lawyers and want to continue that growth. With access to a wider range of services and resources and the well recognised brand of Farleys, we look forward to growing our own professional family here in Wigan to continue looking after our clients, their families, and the wider business community across Greater Manchester.”
Lawfront CEO, Neil Lloyd, said: “It is great to see Farleys complete its second acquisition since joining Lawfront.
“We back our regional firms to accelerate their growth ambitions. Acquisitions such as this are a positive demonstration of our commitment to invest in our firms.
“We are proud to welcome the ABH team to Farleys and look forward to watching the team grow and develop.”
