Expanding legal practices on both sides of the Pennines have announced their first acquisitions for the year, marking continued strategic growth.

Manchester-based Top 100 firm Express Solicitors has acquired Liverpool-based HNK Solicitors, bringing all 25 of HNK’s staff into the business. Known for its expertise in data and cyber crime, HNK will now operate under the Express brand while maintaining its presence in Liverpool. Although resigning as directors of the original business, partners Brian Higgs and Craig Newton will remain with the firm.

The acquisition will see approximately 11,500 cases transferred to Express, including multiple data breach claims involving group litigation. As a result, Express’s total workforce now approaches 800.

HNK Solicitors, a trading name of UK Law Nationwide Ltd, appeared to be in a strong financial position. According to its accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024, the firm reduced its short-term liabilities to under £1 million and held net assets valued at nearly £2.2 million.

Express Solicitors handled more than 24,000 cases in the year ending 31 August 2024—15,000 of those taken on during the year. While the firm’s turnover increased by 17% to £49.6 million, pre-tax profits fell from £8.6 million to £125,564, attributed to the accounting write-offs of previous acquisitions including Amelans Solicitors, Jefferies Solicitors, and Michael Halsall Solicitors.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire-based Ison Harrison has completed the acquisition of personal injury firm Armstrong Luty Solicitors, headquartered in Skipton. The move expands Ison Harrison’s regional presence to 21 offices, with more locations expected to be revealed soon as part of a broader growth strategy.

Established over 30 years ago, Armstrong Luty will continue to operate from its existing office, now under the Ison Harrison name. Following the acquisition, Ison Harrison’s headcount will rise to 350. The firm, which became employee-owned in 2022, reported £20 million in turnover and £4.7 million in pre-tax profits for the year ending 31 December 2023.

Source: John Hyde, The Law Gazette