The contraction of the personal injury market took another step today with a Leeds firm selling this part of its business. Fletchers Group announced the acquisition of the personal injury division of Emsleys Solicitors, transferring all clients with employers’ liability, public liability, catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims.

It is expected that all 28 staff including fee earners and legal support staff will move across to Fletchers’ existing Leeds office as part of the deal.

The move continues Fletchers’ steady expansion since it was bought by private equity investors, and allows Emsleys to focus on its non-personal injury business.

Peter Haden, chief executive of Fletchers Group, said: ‘The acquisition of Emsleys fits in line with our strategy to acquire high-quality, complementary companies that grow and enhance the Fletchers offering, extend our reach in the region and expand our client base. 

Peter Haden, chief executive of Fletchers Group

Peter Haden, chief executive of Fletchers Group

‘We have high growth ambitions and are lucky enough to have both an exceptional leadership team and the financial support to allow us to take advantage of opportunities in the personal injury sector like this when they come along.’

The firm is one of a handful trying to grow its share of the personal injury market, whilst others opt out. Many firms have found it difficult to continue the work in the face of the whiplash reforms, extension of fixed recoverable costs and challenges in getting upfront funding for disbursements.

Andrew Greenwood, director at Emsleys Solicitors, said: ‘We felt it was a good time to transition the personal injury division to a partner that could help the business navigate its next phase of growth. The enthusiasm of the Fletchers team, together with the firm’s reputation in the sector, exciting ambitions and people-centric culture, will provide our team with the support, resource and expertise to both serve our existing clients and pursue new opportunities.’

Fletchers Group was acquired in October 2021 by an affiliate of investment firm Sun European Partners. Since then it has added Leeds-based medical negligence specialist Minton Morrill and opened a new office in the city. The group now employs more than 650 people across its offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Southport.

 

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