Scottish law firms Morton Fraser and Macdonalds merge

Morton Fraser's headquarters are in Edinburgh

Morton Fraser and Macdonalds Solicitors have become the latest Scottish law firms to merge.

The combined company, which will operate under the name of Morton Fraser, is expected to have an annual turnover of more than £17m.

Their deal involves Glasgow-based Macdonalds moving to larger offices in the city's St Vincent Street to accommodate 13 partners and 70 staff.

The combined firm has 40 partners and a total of more than 270 employees.

The transaction follows a series of other legal mergers in Scotland.

Last year, commercial law firms Burness and Paull and Williamsons announced they would join forces, while Edinburgh-based Archibald Campbell and Harley merged with English legal firm Shoosmiths.

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

Debt recovery

Macdonalds' client base includes national and local house builders, life assurance companies, pension providers and charities.

The firm also has a major debt recovery and litigation practice, acting for banks and finance houses.

Edinburgh-based Morton Fraser's clients include banks, businesses, central and local government and charities.

It runs offices in the capital as well as Glasgow and London.

Morton Fraser chief executive Chris Harte said: "We are delighted with the work we have done in bringing the two firms together over the past few months.

"We are confident the move will see the combined firm ideally placed to provide our clients with increased strength in depth and specialist expertise."