Two regional mergers have been announced as the traditional end of the PII renewal period brings the usual consolidation activity.

Rotheras Solicitors based in Nottingham has joined forces with Leicester-based Bray & Bray Solicitors to become Rothera Bray. All existing partners and staff will be kept on to form a new team of around 200 people.

The firms said they share a ‘strong cultural compatibility’ – each has foundations dating back to the 1800s – with Rotheras specialising in private client services and Bray & Bray working mostly in corporate and commercial law.

Christina Yardley, chief executive at Rotheras Solicitors, said: ‘Rothera Bray is a merger of two thriving firms coming together as one, committed to our people focused approach as the firm that everyone can grow with. As well as expanding our geographical reach and the breadth of expertise we can offer to clients we are proud to become one of the top 200 UK law firms by revenue for the first time.’

Meanwhile in the south west, Kitsons LLP and Boyce Hatton LLP have announced they have merged to form Kitson Boyce, with bases in Exeter, Plymouth, Totnes and a head office in Torquay. The combined firm will have 20 partners and more than 30 other legal professionals.

Rhodri Davey, managing partner at Kitsons, will take on the same role with the new firm. Kate Barton, Boyce Hatton’s current managing partner, will join the leadership team and Cris Boyce will join the corporate and commercial team as partner.

Davey said: ‘This positive step will facilitate enhanced services for all our clients, and is part of a strong and combined growth strategy.’