A private equity-supported accountancy firm has significantly expanded its alternative business structure (ABS) by acquiring a London law practice more than twice its size.
Moore Kingston Smith, noted for being the inaugural accountancy firm to establish an alternative business structure, is set to merge with Statham Gill Davies. This merger will result in the formation of Moore SGD Law, effective from January. While Moore Kingston Smith’s ABS is not currently branded independently, its legal team, led by corporate lawyer Andrew Bloom and private client specialist Alison Morris, will partner with the six partners and 24 staff members from SGD.
The firm, ranked among the top fifteen accountancy firms, has committed to expanding its legal services division following private equity investment received the previous year. Originally, Moore Kingston Smith obtained its ABS licence from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 2014, which permitted them to perform reserved probate work exclusively. Subsequently, they became pioneers in changing regulators in 2015, obtaining a licence from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
In its strategic growth plan aimed at diversifying professional services, Moore Kingston Smith announced that the merger would enable them to provide a comprehensive legal service. Their current offerings include both business and private client services, with the recent addition of immigration law services tailored for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
SGD, initially a boutique music law firm founded in 1991, has widened its scope to encompass media, entertainment law, and a variety of other business and private client services. The merger is set to enhance Moore Kingston Smith’s existing team of 100 media professionals.
Matt Meadows, the managing partner at Moore Kingston Smith, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the quality and experience of the SGD team, which will considerably broaden the firm’s legal service offerings. Meanwhile, John Statham, a founding partner of SGD, reflected on the longstanding collaboration with Moore Kingston Smith, attributing their combined efforts and shared values as a catalyst for the merger.
Statham noted that the merger would leverage Moore Kingston Smith’s established market presence and extensive client base, providing a robust platform for future growth. The deal also promises to furnish the resources, structure, and investment necessary to navigate the evolving legal landscape, thereby offering enhanced value to clients.
This acquisition signifies a strategic move by Moore Kingston Smith to strengthen and broaden its legal service provisions. By joining forces with Statham Gill Davies, the firm is poised to leverage new opportunities and meet the demands of a dynamic legal market.
