The acquisition took effect on 30 September, with 21 Wrigley Claydon staff joining Russell & Russell.
The deal takes Russell & Russell’s office network across Chester, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire to ten and increases its workforce to around 215, including partners.
The firm said the acquisition strengthens its North West presence and expands its operations into Yorkshire.
Wrigley Claydon was established in Oldham in 1795 and has maintained a continuous presence in the town. It celebrates its 231st anniversary this year.
Russell & Russell traces its origins to 1887, when William Russell established a legal practice in Bolton. Together, the two firms have more than 365 years of legal experience.
Managing partner Jane Penman will lead the firm, supported by ten equity partners.
Wrigley Claydon partners John Porter and Vijay Srivastava will become consultants. Rachel Damianou, Emma Pozkalo and Rhona Royle will become salaried partners.
Jane Penman said, “Russell & Russell and Wrigley Claydon are long-established, highly regarded law practices with a reputation for delivering high-quality legal services,”
“Both firms have striking similarities in traditions and values, and the two firms are an excellent cultural fit.
“The acquisition will enable us to accelerate growth whilst continuing to deliver the highest standards of service to our clients and expand career opportunities for our people,” she said.
The firm will provide legal services to individuals, businesses and families, covering conveyancing, company and commercial litigation, commercial property, criminal defence, debt collection, dispute resolution, employment, family law, personal injury, and wills and probate.
It said both practices have strong community ties, a diverse client base and a focus on their staff.
John Porter said, “Russell & Russell is the natural home for the Wrigley Claydon business and its people to facilitate succession,”
“We are all very excited about this next stage in Wrigley Claydon’s evolution and would like to thank our clients, team and wider network for all their well wishes and continued trust and support.”
Armstrong Watson LLP arranged the transaction for Wrigley Claydon. Russell & Russell received legal advice from Mark Briegal of Bennett Briegal LLP and financial advice from Tom Blandford of SurSum Advisory Ltd.
