National law firm strengthens commercial offering with acquisition of leading immigration practice
National law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has announced the acquisition of specialist UK-business immigration firm Latitude Law, further strengthening its Commercial Services division and expanding its offering to corporate and private clients.
The acquisition brings a strong team of highly regarded immigration specialists into the firm, creating a new dedicated UK immigration law capability. The boutique practice advises corporates, business owners, high net worth (HNW) individuals and exceptionally talented clients, guiding them through complex Home Office applications and compliance requirements.
Widely recognised as one of the UK's leading immigration practices, Latitude Law is ranked in Legal 500, Lexology and Chambers and Partners UK and has built an outstanding reputation for client service.
The move represents a key strategic milestone in Clarke Willmott's ambitious growth plans, broadening its practice offering in response to increasing client demand for specialist immigration advice. It also creates new opportunities to provide integrated legal services across the firm, particularly for its existing corporate and private wealth clients.
Peter Swinburn, Clarke Willmott CEO (pictured), said: "We are delighted to announce our acquisition of Latitude Law and to welcome the team to the firm. They have an exceptional reputation in the market and are recognised for delivering first-class immigration advice to businesses and individuals alike.
"Just as importantly, they share our values and our commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships that deliver excellent outcomes for our clients, our people and the communities we serve. This acquisition represents an exciting step forward in our growth strategy and strengthens our ability to support clients with an increasingly important area of law."
Led by Gary McIndoe, the immigration team will be based in Clarke Willmott's Manchester office and become part of the Commercial Services division, headed by Partner and the Head of Manchester office Ed Foulkes. The team is expected to complete its full integration into the firm in early November.
Gary McIndoe said: “When I started Latitude Law almost 20 years ago, I didn’t envisage it would grow into such a widely recognised specialist firm.
"I am extremely proud of the talented and dedicated team we have built, and of the strength of service we provide to clients across business and private wealth. Joining Clarke Willmott is an exciting and positive next step for us. We share culture, values and vision, and I’m confident that together we can offer our clients an even stronger service.”
Ed Foulkes, managing director Clarke Willmott’s Commercial Services division said: “Latitude Law joining us is an exciting time for the firm and the Manchester office. The acquisition reinforces Clarke Willmott's continued investment in strategic growth and its commitment to providing clients with a comprehensive range of specialist legal services across the UK.
“It's a really positive development for the firm and another important milestone for the Manchester office.”
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton. For more information visit www.clarkewillmott.com
