Bath law firm Mogers is to merge with Dyne Drewett, which has offices in Shepton Mallet and Sherborne, it was announced today.
The merger, the latest in a series of similar moves among the region’s law firms, will take effect from June 1 when a new name for the combined firm will be announced.
Until then Mogers and Dyne Drewett will continue as independent firms.
Both have histories dating back to the 19th century and both have major private client and agricultural practices.
Dyne Drewett has just over 50 staff and five partners while Mogers also has five partners and slightly less than 50 staff. All partners and staff will stay in the merged firm.
Dyne Drewett's existing plans to close its Shepton Mallet office and relocate its staff to Wells will continue under the merger.
Mogers managing partner Steven Treharne, pictured, who has been at the firm for more than 20 years, told Bath Business News that the merger was a natural fit.
The enlarged firm will concentrate on its heartland of Bath, Somerset and Dorset, he said.
“We are both West Country firms with a well-established history and forward-thinking approach,” he said.
“We are closely matched given that our firms offer significant private client, agricultural, corporate and business services and we have both bucked the downturn with expansion and recruitment.
“This merger of our established companies is an exciting development which will allow us to increase our reach within the communities we serve yet ensure each and every client receives the personal touch.”
To continue to expand in a highly-competitive market, Mogers has invested in innovation. This has included expanding its private client services to Hong Kong, providing expat services in area such as personal relationship breakdowns, as well as acting for elderly and vulnerable clients. It also launched an iPhone App for employment law updates and created an HR company.
The firm has more than doubled in size and turnover since 2000. Last year it won the title of Law Firm of the Year in the prestigious LawNet Awards for demonstrating overall excellence and significant progress as part of its wider business strategy.
Dyne Drewett director Richard Pinney added: “The joining of our two firms will both complement and strengthen our teams.
“Providing a friendly, professional service to our clients has always been the focus for both businesses and that will continue, however, being a larger company will also allow us to take that approach to a wider audience.”
Last year Dyne Drewett closed its Wincanton office, merging it with the Sherborne office in new premises at at the town's business centre.
Today's merger announcement is the latest in a stream of tie-ups and acquisitions among West law firms which is changing the legal landscape in the region. Consolidation is particularly prevalent among mid-tier firms as they seek to reduce costs in the wake of non-legal businesses entering the market offering low-cost alternatives in areas such as conveyancing and will writing.
At the same time many firms are having to merge to boost earnings in an increasingly-competitive markets such as corporate, commercial and property.
