Another Scottish law firm announces merger

Several Scottish legal firms have already announced mergers this year

Archibald Campbell & Harley has become the latest Scottish law firm to announce a merger.

The Edinburgh-based company will merge with English legal firm Shoosmiths later this year, subject to regulatory approval.

Shoosmiths, which runs eight offices in England, said the move into Scotland had been prompted by client demand for a UK-wide presence.

The new business will be known in Scotland as ACH Shoosmiths.

A number of Scottish law firms have already announced mergers this year.

In February, McGrigors said it would merge with London-based international firm Pinsent Masons, while Fyfe Ireland also announced a tie-up with Tods Murray.

Shoosmiths chairman Andrew Tubbs said: "Clients have been telling us for some time that they wished we had a presence north of the border, and this is us responding to their wishes.

"In Archibald Campbell & Harley we've a perfect fit, in both business and cultural terms.

"We share clients and there's crossover in practice areas, particularly real estate, retail, litigation and financial recoveries."

He added: "Opportunities will be created north and south of the border through cross-referral of both firms' existing clients, and as a result of Shoosmiths' ability to offer a true UK-wide service to national clients and prospects."

Shoosmiths has offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton.

Archibald Campbell & Harley is a commercial law firm which was founded more than 100 years ago.

It has 65 partners and staff advising on areas such as banking and finance, commercial property, debt recovery, dispute resolution, insolvency and restructuring.