£30m PE investment to fuel major expansion for Midlands law firm

FBC Manby Bowdler has secured a £30m investment to support its plans to double its size in the next 18 months.

The £30m from private equity firm Horizon Capital will fuel the expansion of the 200-strong Wolverhampton-based law firm.

FBC Manby Bowdler will be the founding firm of Horizon’s new law group named Adeptio and will also use funds to create 20 jobs at a new office in Knowle, Solihull.

The deal comes as turnover has topped £16m in the last year at the firm, and is growing at more than 10% per year.

FBC Manby Bowdler CEO Neil Lloyd said: “We will be broadening our range of services, and this allows us to create centres of expertise across our expanded network. FBC Manby Bowdler will be the founding firm of Horizon Capital’s new Adeptio Law Group. This is a positive move for our firm, for the 200-strong team we have here and for our clients, who will continue to receive the same stellar service we’re famous for.

“We’re also creating a platform for professional growth, offering our team the chance to work with a broader client base and develop expertise in new areas of law. For our lawyers and trainees, this expansion means greater mobility within the firm. They’ll have the opportunity to work across different offices and specialities, gaining diverse experience to support their career progression.”

Simon Hitchcock, managing partner of Horizon Capital, said: “We are excited to partner with FBC Manby Bowdler in this next phase of its growth. The firm’s strong regional presence, coupled with its impressive growth record, makes it an ideal cornerstone for our new legal services group. We look forward to supporting the team in realising their ambitious expansion plans and contributing to the vibrant Midlands economy.”