Leading law firms unveil £250m merger

Irwin Mitchell group chief executive Andrew Tucker said the deal would be a catalyst for growth for both businesses, and showed the firm’s determination to seize opportunities arising from consolidation in the legal sector.

Thomas Eggar managing partner Vicky Brackett – who will join the Irwin Mitchell LLP Executive Board – said the complementary cultural and service fit between the two businesses and shared approach to client care would broaden the offering to clients, including sports law and planning.

Irwin Mitchell’s turnover in 2014/2015 was £210m, while Thomas Eggar’s was £41m. The combined headcount will be around 2,800.

Contracts have been exchanged and the merger is expected to formally complete in December. The merger will see around 450 Thomas Eggar employees, including 67 partners, transfer to Irwin Mitchell after a TUPE process beginning today. Thomas Eggar will adopt the Irwin Mitchell brand in the first half of 2016.

Mr Tucker said: “This is about two great businesses coming together to share one great future. A merger with one of the leading business and private client law firms in the south-east will transform our group.”

Irwin Mitchell has around 1,200 staff at its offices in Leeds and Sheffield.