Weightmans takes first Scottish step after Semple Fraser swoop
NORTH West law firm Weightmans has continued its growth drive with the acquisition of the Manchester office team of Semple Fraser and launching its first office in Scotland.
The Liverpool-headquartered firm has rescued 14 former Semple Fraser staff , including three partners Simon Wallwork, John Hyde and Stuart Macfarlane, after the firm fell into administration last week.
Weightmans says the SF team will enhance its expertise in the retail and construction sectors and add to its capabilities in bioscience, energy and waste sectors.
The new Glasgow office will initially comprise of Stuart Macfarlane and his construction team. Mr Macfarland had been with Semple Fraser since 1992 and was the founder head of its construction group.
John Schorah, managing partner of Weightmans said: “We are delighted to add the Semple Fraser Manchester commercial team and their Glasgow construction team to our business. They have a terrific client base and bring more first class talent to our commercial business line
“Our corporate and real estate teams in Manchester are performing very well and this really will complement what we are doing in those areas. It will also bolster our offering s in Manchester for construction, property litigation and planning.
“Our construction practice is one of the fastest growing areas in the firm and we are really excited about adding a new team and office doing that in Scotland.
Tom MacLennan, head of restructuring with RSM Tenon in Scotland, which is managing the administration of Semple Fraser, added: “We are delighted that Weightmans moved so quickly to complete the acquisition. We wish Weightmans and its new team every success with their expansion plans”.
