WJM Announces Merger With Long Established Inverness Firm
Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP is strengthening its presence in the Highlands and Islands and merging with long established Inverness firm MacArthur & Co. with effect from 1st February 2016.
The merged practice, which will be known as Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (incorporating MacArthur & Co) will have a combined turnover of over £7million.
All MacArthur & Co. employees are joining the merged practice and will be accommodated in new offices in Inverness from early next year.
MacArthur & Co’s existing practice provides a range of private client services including residential conveyancing and estate agency services across the Highlands, together with wills, executry administration and powers of attorney and a healthy commercial practice. These will combine with WJM’s full range of legal services including corporate, commercial, family business, renewable energy, and employment expertise to provide a high quality legal services proposition for the Highlands and Islands.
Angus MacLeod, a Corporate Partner at WJM’s Inverness office, says this is part of a joint long-term strategy to bring increased choice and breadth of legal technical expertise to the Highlands and Islands.
“Both firms have ambitions to grow the business and provide our clients with continuity of service and access to a wider range of expert legal services. These will be delivered by people with local knowledge who live and work in the Highlands with the support of the additional resources and infrastructure of WJM.”
MacArthur & Co’s Senior Partner, Ian MacDonald said, “We want to build on the strengths and heritage of both firms and have a shared vision to help clients achieve what they want for themselves, their families and their businesses with a practical, friendly and value for money approach”.
The new firm will mean WJM has 24 partners, 51 fee earners and 43 employees across its three offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
Commenting on how the merger fits with the long-term strategic expansion of the firm, WJM Chief Executive Liam Entwistle said, “This exciting merger provides a strong platform for growth in the Highlands and Islands. There is a strong cultural fit and we believe this merger will give us a real competitive advantage.”
The information contained in this newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of relevant law and practice as at October 2015. Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP cannot be held responsible for any action taken or not taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter. Transmissions to or from our email system and calls to or from our offices may be monitored and/or recorded for regulatory purposes. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 319 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RZ. A limited liability partnership registered in Scotland, number SO 300336.
