Clarke Willmott acquires Latitude Law in strategic move
A Southampton-headquartered law firm has acquired a specialist business immigration practice with offices in Manchester, London and Brussels for an undisclosed sum, reports BritPanorama.
Clarke Willmott, which operates in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, London, Cardiff and Taunton, has announced the acquisition of Latitude Law, a move the firm describes as a “key strategic milestone.”
This acquisition incorporates a team of specialists in immigration law, establishing a new dedicated UK immigration law capability. Latitude Law is recognized for advising corporates, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals on Home Office applications and compliance requirements. The firm is also highly rated in the Legal 500, Lexology, and Chambers and Partners UK.
Peter Swinburn, Clarke Willmott’s chief executive, stated: “We are delighted to announce our acquisition of Latitude Law and to welcome the team to the firm. They have an exceptional reputation in the market and are recognised for delivering first-class immigration advice to businesses and individuals alike.”
Swinburn further noted, “Just as importantly, they share our values and our commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships that deliver excellent outcomes for our clients, our people and the communities we serve.” He emphasized that the acquisition represents a significant advancement in their growth strategy while enhancing their support for clients in this important area of law.
The newly formed immigration team will be led by Gary McIndoe and will operate from Clarke Willmott’s Manchester office, becoming part of the commercial services division overseen by Ed Foulkes, the partner leading the Manchester office. Full integration of the new team is anticipated in early November.
Reflecting on the acquisition, McIndoe remarked: “When I started Latitude Law almost 20 years ago, I didn’t envisage it would grow into such a widely recognised specialist firm. I am extremely proud of the talented and dedicated team we have built, and of the strength of service we provide to clients across business and private wealth. Joining Clarke Willmott is an exciting and positive next step for us. We share culture, values, and vision, and I’m confident that together we can offer our clients an even stronger service.”
Ed Foulkes added: “Latitude Law joining us is an exciting time for the firm and the Manchester office. The acquisition reinforces Clarke Willmott’s continued investment in strategic growth and our commitment to providing clients with a comprehensive range of specialist legal services across the UK. It’s a really positive development for the firm and another important milestone for the Manchester office.”
This acquisition highlights a broader trend of consolidation in the legal sector, particularly in specialized areas such as immigration law. It reflects the increasing importance firms are placing on expanding their service offerings to meet evolving client needs in a dynamic market. As Clarke Willmott integrates Latitude Law, stakeholders will be keen to observe the implications for client service and market positioning in the coming months.
