Wirral acquisition marks “momentous time” for North West law firm Jackson Canter

The Jackson Canter Group, a growing law firm with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, is aiming to become one of the region’s biggest providers of legal services with the acquisition of Wirral-based Lees Solicitors LLP.

Structured by NatWest, the acquisition will see Jackson Canter welcome Lees Solicitors sites across Birkenhead, West Kirby and Heswall into its North West network. Further, the transaction almost doubles Jackson Canter’s headcount to more than 280.

Andrew Holroyd CBE, the Jackson Canter Group’s executive chairman, said of the deal: “This is a momentous time for the firm – and there’s no doubt Lees was a natural choice to support our continued growth. The acquisition of Lees will enhance our network and ability to service even more individuals and businesses throughout the North West and beyond.

“The significant alignment and breadth of our services, together with a shared customer-centric culture, will enable us to ensure the highest levels of quality continue during this exciting period of expansion across the region.”

Former Lees CEO Joanna Kingston-Davies has now assumed the post of COO with the Jackson Canter Group.

She commented: “Lees Solicitors has been serving the community for 127 years and we’re delighted to be starting this new chapter in our history with such a well-regarded and ambitious business.

“The Jackson Canter Group is a forward-thinking firm with an excellent reputation among individuals, businesses and the legal sector alike.”

Lees Solicitors, which has been trading since 1889, provides both personal and commercial legal services with a focus on Court of Protection and clinical negligence cases.

Jackson Canter, meanwhile, provides services for individuals and businesses in areas such as immigration, employment, family law and actions against the police. The firm’s subsidiary Broudie Jackson Canter, represented 20 of the families affected by the Hillsborough disaster.

James Burgess, the director of NatWest’s Structured Finance arm, led the team that worked on structuring the deal.

He said: “We are delighted to support Jackson Canter on its latest business development, which complements the services already available to its wide client base. We look forward to supporting the enlarged business in achieving its growth plans.”

Jackson Canter’s latest acquisition follows a strong financial year, during which its turnover rose 15% and its underlying profit by 20%.

Andrew Holroyd CBE, who formerly served as the president of The Law Society of England and Wales, continued: “The new board boasts a potent combination of youth and experience, together with energy and expertise.

“This puts the firm in the strongest position yet to make a difference to individuals, businesses and society through the practice of law. We are wholly committed to becoming one of the North West’s largest and most respected firms.”

Peter Taaffe from chartered accountants BW MacFarlane, along with Mark O’Connor and John Spofforth from law firm O’Connors LLP, provided the Jackson Canter Group with corporate finance and legal services during the deal. James Wild from accountants RSM and Tony Harper of law firm Brabners advised Lees Solicitors.

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