Private equity-backed Adeptio Law Group has completed its second law firm acquisition of the year, continuing its plan to build one of the Midlands’ largest regional legal groups in UK law.
Its founding firm, FBC Manby Bowdler, has acquired Worcester practice The Specialist Law Group, operator of the The Employment Solicitor and The Company Solicitor brands.
Around 20 staff will join the enlarged group, with managing director Helen Moore remaining in charge and both brands continuing to operate under their existing names.
The acquisition is a continuation of the private equity-backed investment in UK law firms, such as the news about Setfords’ and their growth ambitions, which we reported recently.
The latest move follows Adeptio’s purchase of Jordans Solicitors in March, its first deal since the group was launched in late 2024 by private equity investor Horizon Capital and FBC Manby Bowdler to pursue an ambitious buy-and-build strategy.
The latest deal strengthens FBC’s employment law capability while establishing a Worcester base from which it plans to expand into additional practice areas, including commercial property, family law and private client work. The firm’s annual turnover has now grown to approximately £18 million.
Chief executive Neil Lloyd, (pictured) who leads both FBC Manby Bowdler and Adeptio, said The Specialist Law Group had built strong specialist brands and a loyal client base, making it a natural strategic fit.
Helen Moore described joining the group as providing greater investment capacity, particularly in technology, while allowing the firm’s brands, people and culture to remain unchanged.
For Horizon Capital, the acquisition is another step towards a much bigger prize.
Managing partner Simon Hitchcock said the firm continues to see strong interest from regional practices seeking investment and long-term backing. Adeptio is actively pursuing further acquisitions across the Midlands and beyond as it combines organic growth with targeted purchases.
Those ambitions are substantial. Neil Lloyd said earlier this year that Adeptio had already made multiple approaches to prospective “hub” firms and is ultimately targeting a legal group generating £100 million to £120 million in annual revenue with EBITDA of around £20 million.
Private equity’s appetite for legal services shows little sign of slowing. As succession pressures mount, technology demands grow and competition intensifies, an increasing number of regional firms are discovering that remaining independent is becoming less attractive than joining a well-funded consolidator.
The real question now is whether these PE-backed deals produce stronger firms or simply bigger balance sheets.
