The merger between Addleshaw Goddard and Scottish practice HBJ Gateley has completed, with the combined firm already securing new growth opportunities.
The merger sees HBJ Gateley’s entire Scottish practice fully integrate into the international firm and become known in Scotland as Addleshaw Goddard. New offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen will build on AG’s strong position in the City, Leeds and Manchester, alongside its growing presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and Muscat.
It is expected the combined firm’s improved bench strength will see it ranked 19th in the UK by total income (circa £224m) and 15th by UK income (£214m). The combined firm will have more than 240 partners and 1,100 lawyers.
And the enlarged Addleshaw Goddard says that, in recent weeks, it has secured fresh mandates as well as extended appointments from new and existing clients, including Celesio, the international pharmaceuticals business, which has appointed AG as its preferred law firm on all Scottish real estate matters.
John Joyce, managing partner at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “The clear fit between the culture and chemistry of both firms is really evident, as well as a shared ambition to grow the enlarged business by building on our collective expertise across key industries. The feedback we’ve had from clients so far has been very encouraging, and we are already starting to see the benefits of a combined, UK-wide approach.”
Malcolm McPherson, former HBJ senior partner, who joins the board of Addleshaw Goddard alongside his role as senior partner for Scotland, added: “There are realistic and exciting opportunities for marked growth through our ambition to deliver market-leading advice. The next few years will present many challenges and opportunities for businesses based or doing business in Scotland, so it’s crucial we have the appropriate reach and expertise to meet their requirements.”
Four HBJ Gateley partners have joined the executive team leading Addleshaw Goddard’s four operating divisions: David Kirchin (corporate & commercial), Alan Shanks (finance & projects), Simon Catto (litigation) and Miles Ede (real estate).
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