A Black Country law firm has expanded across the West Midlands by acquiring a Staffordshire rival.
Walsall-based Enoch Evans has bought out Cannock outfit Gardner, Iliff and Dowding in an undisclosed deal.
Both firms were founded in the late 19th century and the deal marks only the second time Enoch Evans has expanded outside Walsall, after opening a new branch office in Sutton Coldfield in 2018.
Enoch Evans said it now planned to build and expand on Gardner, Iliff and Dowding's expertise in wills, tax and probate, conveyancing and family law.
Managing partner David Evans said: "We are incredibly excited to have completed this acquisition and to be growing our client base in such a great town as Cannock.
"The firm of Gardner, Iliff and Dowding has been an outstanding presence in the town.
"The acquisition proves we are not standing still - we are growing and developing while still retaining our long-standing family values while clients will benefit from a firm offering a full spectrum of services for the first time.
"Cannock will be an exciting focus for us in terms of development and recruitment and being able to deliver a wide range of legal services.
"We will be joining forces with the Gardner, Iliff and Dowding team and recruiting staff to grow the business offering."
Enoch Evans has more than 90 members of staff and was first established in 1884 by former Mayor of Walsall Enoch Evans.
Gardner, Iliff and Dowding was set up by James Gardner in 1864.
