Antony Hodari acquires Paul Rooney Partnership

PERSONAL injury law firm Antony Hodari has acquired Liverpool practice, the Paul Rooney Partnership.

Paul Rooney, also an injury specialist, will retain its name and it is expected that all 50 staff will continue in their roles.

Founder Paul Rooney will continue to be involved in the business as a consultant, working specifically on direct marketing.

Antony Hodari, which has offices in Manchester and London, said Paul Rooney’s direct marketing capability will help it deal with changes to the legal market to be introduced in April following a review carried out by Lord Justice Jackson.

The reforms will mean “no win, no fee” lawyers will no longer be able to claim “success fees” from the losing side, and should instead receive a share of the damages. The governmnet has said this should discourage “spurious cases”.

Chief executive officer Mark Grover said: “Paul Rooney Partnership is a fantastically well-known brand, particularly in the North West, and this acquisition allows us to diversify and obtain work directly.

“Our strategy is predicated on growth, as you need scale to drive down the cost base, and we will be looking to grow the direct side of the business quickly. Size will be vital in the post-Jackson world of squeezed margins for claimant lawyers.”

Paul Rooney said: “I am confident that the combination of our brand with Antony Hodari’s systems and skills will make for a powerful player in the personal injury market.

It will become harder for injured people to bring claims from next year and they will need firms with the resources of an Antony Hodari to take on their cases and fight for their rights.”

Antony Hodari has revenue of around £15m and 105 staff. Gary Houghton, James Wild and Nick Wyatt from Baker Tilly Corporate Finance acted as lead adviser to Paul Rooney on the deal.

James Sheridan, Gareth Roberts, Helen O’Neill and David Hayes from Manchester business law firm Turner Parkinson advised Antony Hodari.