The Humber region’s largest law firm has expanded its presence, buying out a South Yorkshire recoveries specialist.
Grimsby-headquartered Wilkin Chapman Solicitors has completed the acquisition of Doncaster-based Silke and Co in an undisclosed deal.
It sees the firm, currently just outside the top 100 UK law firms, add a team of 50 to the ranks – including three corporate insolvency specialists.
Partner Chris Grocock heads up the specialism at Wilkin Chapman, with the addition swelling the recoveries team to 130, with an annual turnover of £7 million now envisaged. It follows the acquisition of Beverley-based Carrick Read four years ago.
Wilkin Chapman is now one of the top five UK firms operating in this specialist area, with recoveries a significant part of the firm's £24 million turnover.
Silke & Co director and licensed insolvency practitioner, Ian Rose, remains in what has been rebranded Wilkin Chapman Business Solutions.
Mr Grocock said: “The acquisition of Silke & Co is the final piece of the jigsaw for our recoveries team, meaning that Wilkin Chapman can offer clients corporate insolvency expertise, alongside our market-leading debt recovery litigation and personal insolvency services. We have a true legal and insolvency ‘one stop shop’ that we hope will be attractive to existing and potential clients.”
Doncaster is now added to the offices in Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley, Louth, Horncastle and Alford.
Nearly 400 staff are now employed, with 45 as partners. Silke & Co started with a team of five in 2007.
Welcoming the integration, Wilkin Chapman chief executive Des Mannion said: “This acquisition highlights Wilkin Chapman’s progressive and innovative approach when looking to grow as both a law firm, but also as an organisation that can successfully offer a range of complementary services.”
