Morton Fraser and MacRoberts have announced their intention to merge, creating a new style of firm within the top tier of independent Scottish law firms and becoming the joint-third largest independent firm by number of solicitors.
The combined business will immediately double in size and scale, entering the ‘top tier’ of Scottish firms. As part of Scotland’s ‘big four’ independent law firms, it will be more than 30% larger by turnover than its nearest rival.
The combined firms have delivered revenue growth of almost 20% since 2021, with annual revenues in the region of £46m and more than 500 people.
Chris Harte, currently Chief Executive of Morton Fraser, will become Chief Executive of the newly merged business, Morton Fraser MacRoberts. Neil Kennedy, Managing Partner of MacRoberts, is to become Chief Operating Officer.
Chris Harte said:
“The time has come for a new style of law firm within Scotland’s top tier. Morton Fraser and MacRoberts are complementary firms, built on similar values, we are both known for our user-friendly, people-centred approach and those qualities will continue to drive our thinking for the future.
By merging, we will compete even more strongly in our chosen markets, while offering something truly unique for the top tier.”
Neil Kennedy added:
“Joining our collective talents and resources will help us to accelerate our growth, offering greater strength in depth and more wide-ranging services to clients.
We are committed to excellence at every turn and will be focusing heavily on how our newly merged business can invest in talent and technology."
Work is now underway to create a new brand identity for the combined business. Subject to regulatory and other approvals, the merger is projected to go live at the start of November.
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