Fletchers Group Expands with Claims.co.uk Acquisition
Deal News | Mar 06, 2025 | EIN
The article details several significant developments in the legal sector, including acquisitions and mergers. The Fletchers Group, backed by Sun European Partners, has acquired the lead generation business Claims.co.uk through its digital marketing company Blume. This forms part of Fletchers' strategy to sustain double-digit annual growth. Claims.co.uk will continue its operations in Belfast, offering marketing leads to Blume and other clients. Fletchers also recently expanded by acquiring its fourth law firm, Scott Rees & Co. In addition, a merger is set to create a 500-person law firm, Wilkin Chapman Rollits, in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Each firm brings substantial staff and revenue to the table, with synergies anticipated from the merger. Separately, a management buyout has occurred at Harrison Drury, illustrating a commitment to independence and fostering client-centric growth. Furthermore, merger talks between Ward Hadaway and The Endeavour Partnership in the North-East reveal ongoing consolidation efforts across the industry.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Legal Services
- Digital Marketing
Geography
- United Kingdom – All companies and law firms involved are based in the UK, with operations across England and Northern Ireland.
Industry
- Private Equity – The involvement of Sun European Partners in the acquisitions by the Fletchers Group highlights private equity activity.
- Legal Services – Several law firm mergers and acquisitions are discussed, impacting the legal service industry.
- Digital Marketing – The acquisition of Claims.co.uk by Blume, a digital marketing company, underscores the relevance of this industry.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The purchase price for Claims.co.uk by Blume was not disclosed.
- £40 million – The combined turnover of the new Wilkin Chapman Rollits firm.
- £31 million – Wilkin Chapman's turnover in the last financial year before merging with Rollits.
- £11 million – The profit recorded by Wilkin Chapman before partner pay in its last financial year.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fletchers Group | Buyer | Company | A law firm group owned by Sun European Partners, expanding its offerings in the legal services sector. |
| Sun European Partners | Owner | Company | A private equity firm owning Fletchers Group, involved in the acquisition strategy. |
| Claims.co.uk | Target Company | Company | A lead generation business based in Belfast, acquired by Blume. |
| Blume | Buyer | Company | A digital marketing company owned by Fletchers Group, acquiring Claims.co.uk. |
| Wilkin Chapman | Merging Company | Company | A law firm merging with Rollits to form Wilkin Chapman Rollits. |
| Rollits | Merging Company | Company | A law firm merging with Wilkin Chapman to form Wilkin Chapman Rollits. |
| Harrison Drury | Company Undergoing Buyout | Company | A law firm that has undergone a management buyout led by Simon England. |
| Ward Hadaway | Company in Merger Talks | Company | A law firm in merger discussions with The Endeavour Partnership. |
| The Endeavour Partnership | Company in Merger Talks | Company | A North-East law firm in merger discussions with Ward Hadaway. |