An international network of firms has doubled its presence in the UK by taking a majority stake in a London-based practice.

ETL Global acquired a 51% share of the top-200 firm Laytons LLP through its existing investment in Manchester-headquartered Glaisyers Solicitors. Both firms will be rebranded, as Glaisyers | ETL Global and Laytons | ETL Global respectively, with Laytons remaining operationally independent and continuing to be led by managing partner John Abbott.

Laytons is a 30-partner firm employing 66 people, having itself acquired Silverman Sherliker in 2017 and Lattey & Dawe in 2019. Glaisyers, which has 68 staff, was acquired in a management buy-in backed by ETL in 2018.

The ETL Global network now consists of 17,000 people in more than 50 countries. It has largely focused on the accountancy sector but is keen to expand into the UK legal services market.

Following the deal Glaisyers will provide business development support to Laytons, which will also benefit from ongoing financial investment into the firm, with the backing of ETL. In particular there are plans already drawn up to make a major investment in the London firm’s technology infrastructure.

Abbott said: ‘It’s a real win/win for all involved and I anticipate a bright future for our staff, partners and clients as we move ahead. Becoming part of a global network is going to open up huge opportunities for us in the years ahead. I look forward to working with Glaisyers, and our ETL partner firms in the UK and around the world, to make the most of those opportunities and achieve new levels of success.’