Merger-hungry DWF targets top 20

GROWTH-hungry  law firm DWF is keen for further mergers and wants to enter the UK top 20 by turnover in the next three years.

The Manchester, Liverpool and Preston firm, which also has offices in the North East, Yorkshire and West Midlands, saw turnover top £100m for the first time this year.

It has since announced a merger with £16m turnover Scottish firm Biggart Baillie, which will complete next week.

According to The Lawyer’s 2011 figures, the UK’s 20th largest law firm was Irwin Mitchell with turnover of £171.8m, followed by Addleshaw Goddard (£161.9m).

Based on these figures DWF will have top add at least £60m to its top line in the next three years to challenge for a place in the top 20.

Managing Andrew Leaitherland, managing partner at DWF, comments: “It’s been a really exciting time at DWF, the mergers have played a crucial role in helping us to achieve our impressive growth. Our plan is to continue to pursue strategic partnerships with like-minded firms across the UK in order to achieve our challenging 2015 goal.”

DWF, which has seen 19 years of consecutive growth, says it plans to continue to invest in all of its industry sectors and strengthen its presence in the insurance, real estate and financial services markets.

Mr Leaitherland added: “As we look ahead and enter the next phase of our growth, we must continue to build on our achievements and our success and use this as the basis for the next three year strategy.

“Our approach is one of continued, profitable growth and the financial measure of our success will be demonstrated by top 20 status by 2015.”