Scottish law firm Gilson Gray has made a significant move into the English legal market by acquiring the City of London-based PCM Solicitors.
Gilson Gray’s acquisition of PCM Solicitors marks a strategic expansion within England, with future plans to extend into additional markets. The inclusion of PCM allows Gilson Gray to broaden its capabilities in family and property law, absorbing all five of PCM’s staff members into its team.
The Edinburgh-headquartered firm has outlined ambitious plans for growth in London, focusing on recruiting a head of operations to oversee the broadening of their services. Gilson Gray aims to establish a comprehensive range of legal, property, and financial management services within the capital.
This move follows Gilson Gray’s initial expansion into England in 2022, with the acquisition of Home Property Lawyers in Lincoln from the listed law firm Knights, which served as a foundational step for further growth in English markets.
Reflecting on this strategic development, Glen Gilson, the firm’s chair and managing partner, emphasised the significance of entering lucrative markets and accessing strong talent pools. He noted, “London represents an important strategic development for the business, and we expect to create further presence in other cities in due course.”
Paul Critchley, the founder of PCM Solicitors, expressed optimism about the merger, recognising the growth potential, broad range of services available to clients, and new opportunities for longstanding staff members.
The acquisition not only strengthens Gilson Gray’s position within the UK legal landscape but also underscores a broader trend of targeted expansion by law firms seeking growth in leading markets.
