A forthcoming merger between Pemberton Greenish and Cripps will produce one of the country’s strongest real estate practices, the law firms say.
The merger, planned to complete on 1 December, will result in a combined firm trading as Cripps Pemberton Greenish, seeking to offer a complete range of services across commercial, real estate and private client law to wealthy individuals and growing businesses.
Mike Scott, head of real estate at Cripps, said that the merger “offers a great opportunity for our real estate practice and clients”.
He added: “Pemberton Greenish has highly regarded residential and commercial real estate teams and a superb portfolio of clients, including the Crown Estate and the Cadogan Estate. By joining forces, our clients will benefit from a combined real estate team of 150 people offering the full range of commercial and residential property services supported by specialist teams in leasehold enfranchisement, real estate finance, property tax, planning and construction plus a team of 20 property litigators.
“In addition, real estate clients will be able to draw on expertise from our substantial corporate team, providing M&A, commercial and employment advice. With an established base in London, we will be able to stay even closer to our clients while offering them a larger and more flexible team of lawyers from both London and Kent. Both firms have the same commitment to delivering exceptional client service and, as always, we will continue to focus on providing high-quality legal advice at a sensible price.”
The combined firm aims to be one of the country’s leading legal practices focusing on real estate, private wealth and growing businesses. The two companies say the merger will exploit an increasing gap in the legal market, adding that, while many law firms focus on larger and more international clients, few are able to provide the full range of skills across commercial, real estate and private client law.
As a result, they say, it is difficult for many wealthy clients and growing businesses to source the quality of advice and service that they need, and the combined firm is designed around the needs of those clients.
Gavin Tyler, managing partner of Cripps, said: “It has been a key strategic objective for a number of years to significantly develop our London business. By merging with Pemberton Greenish we will be able to take a joint step forward to deliver a broader, deeper, and even more personal service to all our clients. Being headquartered in Kent, however, remains a key part of who we are, the clients we want to work with and why Cripps is the firm it is.”
Kerry Glanville, senior partner of Pemberton Greenish, added: “We are thrilled to join forces with Cripps. Our clients will benefit from our much-increased breadth of service and fully developed infrastructure that modern legal businesses require to be successful. Together we will be a true force.”
Cripps Pemberton Greenish will be ranked in the top 70 of UK law firms, with revenues of around £45m. It will have offices in Kent and London and will employ 465 people, including 66 partners.
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