One of the regional powerhouses of a private equity-owned network has brought another firm into the fold.

Farleys, the north west regional leader of the Lawfront group, this week announced the acquisition of Wigan-based Alker Ball Healds Solicitors (ABH).

Under the terms of the deal, ABH will continue as a trading name of Farleys, with all 32 staff members kept on board.

Led by joint managing directors Gary Shepherd and Keith Whitehead, ABH practises in commercial litigation, commercial property, corporate; and a range of private client services.

Whitehead said: ‘We have built a fantastic team of skilled and trusted lawyers and want to continue that growth. With access to a wider range of services and resources and the well-recognised brand of Farleys, we look forward to growing our own professional family here in Wigan.’

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Farleys is one of five regional centres operating under the umbrella of Lawfront, which is backed by private equity fund Blixt. These regional firms are each given funds to invest in people, technology, office infrastructure and acquisitions, with the support of a central back-office team.

Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: ‘We back our regional firms to accelerate their growth ambitions. Acquisitions such as this are a positive demonstration of our commitment to invest in our firms.’

Unaudited financial statements for ABH Law, covering the year ended 31 December 2024, show the business had total assets of almost £1.9m, including cash reserves which more than doubled during the year to £1.4m.

ABH was formed following the merger of Alker & Ball and Healds. These firms had a presence in Wigan going back to the mid-19th century.

 

Pictured above (L-R): Ian Liddle (Managing Partner, Farleys), Gary Shepherd (Managing Director, Alker Ball Healds Solicitors), Keith Whitehead (Managing Director, Alker Ball Healds Solicitors), and Daniel Draper (Managing Partner, Farleys Solicitors)