HCB ‘pulls out’ of Linder Myers rescue talks

MIDLANDS law firm HCB Solicitors has pulled out of talks to rescue Manchester rival Linder Myers, according to reports.

HCB was the firm favourite to take over Linder Myers which signalled its intention to appoint administrators on February 6.

It even incorporated a company called HCB Linder Myers, registered in Solihull.

Now The Lawyer reports would that talks have broken down and administration is still looming for Linder Myers.

HCB has changed the name of the registered company to HCB (the Midlands) and a spokesperson for the firm told The Lawyer it will use it for another purpose.

The firm has swallowed up a number of rivals in recent times. Linder Myers, which has a turnover of £18.7m, has offices in Manchester, Lancashire, Shropshire and Chester and employs 311 staff including 51 partners.

It blamed tough trading conditions for its decision to begin the process to appoint administrators.

Sources close to the firm said that a deal to achieve a “positive outcome” is moving closer.