As part of its on-going expansion strategy, Clifton Ingram LLP has acquired Bells Solicitors Ltd in Farnham, Surrey.
Tracing its history back to 1768, Bells is one of the UK’s oldest law firms. Its offices in Farnham were specifically designed for the firm in 1890 by the famous architect Edward Mountford, who also designed the Old Bailey. The acquisition gives Bells access to greater resources and will provide the firm’s clients with an enhanced range of services.
The combined business will operate under the Clifton Ingram name from the firm’s existing Reading, Wokingham and Farnham offices. The acquisition allows Clifton Ingram to expand from its existing Thames Valley base into the M3 corridor and will see an increase in the firm’s turnover of nearly 25%, with an overall headcount of approximately 100.
Clifton Ingram partners Nicholas Rodriguez and Stephanie Rose will be based at the Farnham office where they will head up the Family team and the Wills & Inheritance team respectively. Lorna Claxton of Bells will take over as Head of Department (Residential Property) across the whole firm.
Commenting on the deal, Clifton Ingram's Managing Partner Anne Deller said: "This acquisition provides strategic growth into a new geographic area with a firm aligned to our core values, delivering a client focused service. We plan to grow the Farnham teams and greatly strengthen the firm’s client offering, particularly with regard to family and commercial work.”
Dermot Burke, Managing Director of Bells, said: "Bells has been providing legal advice to the people of Farnham and the wider community since 1768. Over the last 253 years the firm has seen many mergers, but none more important than this. We are greatly looking forward to writing the next chapter in our long history with Clifton Ingram.