Addleshaw Goddard and HBJ Gateley confirm merger plans

The deal would result in Addleshaws taking over HBJ’s three offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The news comes after talks between the English firm and Maclay Murray Spens (MMS) fell through earlier this year.

John Joyce, managing partner at Addleshaw Goddard (pictured right), said: “A combination would deliver on both firms’ aspirations for improved client and sector offerings across the whole of Great Britain.

“We are culturally aligned and bringing both businesses together will enhance each firm’s bench strength, give greater flexibility and provide a more robust platform from which to establish stronger market positions across core practice areas and in the financial services and real estate sectors in particular.”

Malcolm McPherson, senior partner, HBJ Gateley (pictured right), said: “There is a clear and compelling rationale behind this proposal. Clients are increasingly demanding true strength in depth across a range of core specialist disciplines and our exploratory talks progressed very quickly as the complementary nature of our teams and geographical presence became apparent.

“A strong cultural fit is at the heart of all successful legal deals and both firms share a pragmatic, commercial approach to client service. Given the partner voting process, we’re taking nothing for granted but are quietly excited about the potential for creating something rather special, given our strongly aligned sector focus and specific critical mass in financial services and real estate.”

It is intended that the business, people and partners of HBJ Gateley will transfer to Addleshaw Goddard. A combination would have 11 offices, over 230 partners, more than 1,100 lawyers in total, and a combined fee income of c. £224m, based on each firm’s 30 April 2015/16 year-end. It would rank 15th by UK income.