Farleys Expands North West Reach with Wigan Firm Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 10, 2025 | EIN
Farleys, a legal services group under the Lawfront umbrella, has acquired Wigan-based Alker Ball Healds Solicitors (ABH), marking its second acquisition since joining Lawfront in 2022. The move will bolster Farleys' reach in the North West of England, maintaining ABH's brand presence, its team of 32 employees, and leadership under managing directors Gary Shepherd and Keith Whitehead. The acquisition emphasizes Farleys' strategy to grow its brand and service capacity. Daniel Draper, managing partner at Farleys, expressed enthusiasm about the integration, highlighting opportunities for growth and leveraging ABH's strong local brand. The firm's expansion is part of a broader goal to increase staffing and extend service offerings within the region.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- United Kingdom – The acquisition by Farleys of ABH Solicitors is taking place in the North West region of England, specifically involving entities based in Wigan and Greater Manchester.
Industry
- Legal Services – The acquisition involves Farleys, a legal services provider, expanding upon its operations in the North West by acquiring Wigan-based ABH Solicitors.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article centers around Farleys' acquisition of ABH Solicitors, indicative of strategic expansion in the legal services industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farleys | Bidding Company | Company | A legal services group and part of Lawfront, looking to expand its reach in the North West of England. |
| Alker Ball Healds Solicitors (ABH) | Target Company | Company | A Wigan-based law firm with a long-standing local presence, formed from a merger of two historical firms. |
| Lawfront | Parent Company | Company | A legal services group overseeing Farleys. |
| Gary Shepherd | Managing Director | Person | Managing director of ABH who will continue in leadership following the acquisition. |
| Keith Whitehead | Managing Director | Person | Managing director of ABH who will maintain leadership post-acquisition. |
| Daniel Draper | Managing Partner | Person | Managing partner at Farleys, expressing enthusiasm for the acquisition. |