Law firm Irwin Mitchell is set to invest in Scottish law firm Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, pending FCA approval and contract finalisation.
The strategic collaboration aims to provide a suite of legal and financial services across over 20 locations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
The firms have a complementary set of skills in Scotland, with Irwin Mitchell predominantly operating out of Glasgow in sectors such as banking, finance, and complex personal injury work. Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie brings its expertise in corporate, private client, property, and asset management to the table.
In England and Wales, Irwin Mitchell already offers a comprehensive array of legal and financial services. Through this strategic alliance, these services will be made accessible to Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie’s clients as well. The collaboration leverages the mutual respect and awareness developed over years of indirect partnerships through international law firm networks, where both firms have access to over 200 global jurisdictions.
As part of the forthcoming agreement, Bruce Macmillan, Craig Marshall, and Mark Higgins, Partners at Irwin Mitchell, will join the newly constituted Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie Management Board upon completion of the deal.
Craig Marshall, group chief operating officer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “The two firms are a great cultural fit and share a similar purpose, values, and future vision. We have ambitious plans for growth, and we are both focused on building on our client-centric approach, an excellent colleague experience and an ambition to become leading responsible businesses.
“This strategic investment significantly expands our access to Scotland and will fundamentally enhance the service for current and future clients across the whole of the UK and internationally.”
Fraser Gillies, managing partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, will continue to lead the firm’s operations in Scotland. He said: “This is a landmark moment for our firm. We have expanded considerably over the past decade and this investment will supercharge our growth efforts and provide a clear route into England and Wales, while broadening the services we can offer our clients.”
Both firms have actively pursued growth strategies over the last decade, capitalising on lateral hires and M&A activities to expand their respective business footprints in complementary areas.
Within the last year, Irwin Mitchell has also acquired asset management firms TWP Wealth and Andrews Gwynne. Moreover, the firm has expanded its physical presence by opening new offices in Cardiff and Liverpool, and has recruited 18 new Partners to bolster its capabilities.
The collaboration is subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority and contract finalisation.
