A Cumbrian legal firm is continuing its expansion following the acquisition of a local law practice.
Bendles Solicitors will acquire Atkinson Ritson on September 1 this year.
The latest acquisition comes after Bendles merged with Gaynham King & Mellor Solicitors in April.
Bendles has offices in Carlisle, Wigton, Whitehaven, Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen.
Established as a family firm more than 200 years ago, Bendles Solicitors now employs more than 100 people after taking on all 20 current employees of Atkinson Ritson, which includes three directors.
Atkinson Ritson was formed following a merger of three Cumbrian law firms: Atkinson & North, Hetherington Ritson & Company, and Saul & Lightfoot.
Bendles provides expertise across a wide range of personal and business law specialisms, which will be complemented by the Atkinson Ritson team, providing legal services in agriculture, family law, commercial and residential property, and wills, trusts and estates.
John Stevenson, managing partner at Bendles, said: “We are delighted with this agreement with Atkinson Ritson. It continues our development and adds real expertise and experience to the firm.
“Atkinson Ritson is a well-respected and established firm with a similar outlook to ourselves.
“We now have increased strength in depth across a larger geographical footprint which we believe is beneficial to our clients.
“This is an exciting time for Bendles and we see continued growth for the firm over the coming months and years.
“It will be business as usual for both firms and there will be no disruption to the services we provide and existing relationships, contacts and day-to-day work will continue as before, with the same people delivering the same high standard of advice and support.”
Kate Wheeler, director at Atkinson Ritson, said: “We are delighted by the coming together of two long-established firms and look forward to the continuation of excellent service to our clients.”
