Hull’s Hudgell Solicitors has completed the acquisition of clinical negligence cases from a trio of other law firms.
The business, which also has bases in London, Leeds and Manchester, has seen rapid growth in the claims sector in recent years.
Hudgell has now re-launched its ‘We Buy Any Files’ initiative – first introduced back in 2011 – and has sealed a hat-trick of purchases from other law firms.
Deals to sell cases are done on a confidential basis, in which prospective sellers deal solely with managing director Neil Hudgell.
Mr Hudgell said: “These recent case acquisitions have been relatively low in number of files involved but they have included significant multi-track clinical negligence claims which have been very good additions to our business.
“They have come to us in varying circumstances, including a firm which has decided to bring an end to its work in clinical negligence, a practitioner with cases due to last another few years who wanted to retire, and from an individual changing career role within the legal sector.
“All three deals were relatively straight forward, were completed in two weeks and included payments being made up front.
“The sellers know they are handing their files to a firm with a track record of taking over cases and bringing them to successful conclusions, so there is peace of mind for all involved, most importantly of course being those we now represent.”
Its webuyanyfiles.com initiative, first launched in 2011 in the wake of increased restrictions on success fees and entitlements, has proved an attractive offer to many, with more than 40 deals completed and options for up-front cash payments or deferred payments available.
Hudgell Solicitors announced it was ‘open for business’ again earlier this year, saying it ‘sensed the beginning of another significant market exodus over the coming 12 to 24 months’ with yet further significant costs restrictions and reforms again on the horizon.
“We initially focussed on the North West to relaunch our acquisition arm as we feel there is market there for us to grow, particularly given we opened a new office in Manchester last year,” Mr Hudgell said.
“However, these three deals have all been concluded in the south of England and the work has been taken on by our experienced team of solicitors in our Fleet Street office in London.
“Our message is clear, and this recent activity has demonstrated this. There are no deals too small for us to consider.
“If the cases are right, and there is a good fit between us as buyer and those looking to sell, a deal can be done.”
