European law firm Fieldfisher's merger with Manchester-based Heatons LLP goes live today.
Heatons is a commercial law firm with 8 partners, 12 associates and 6 other fee earners. Its turnover for 2013 was £3.42m. The firm's areas of expertise are in line with Fieldfisher's, and include intellectual property and technology, corporate, dispute resolution, employment, renewable energy, real estate, real estate finance, construction and retail.
The managing partner of Heatons, Matthew Fleetwood, will become the managing partner of the new joint Manchester operation and has the mandate to drive the firm's growth in the North West. Following the merger, the Manchester office of Fieldfisher will be amalgamated with Heatons and will be based in Heatons' offices in the Free Trade Exchange building.
The Manchester and London offices of the firm will operate together, with lawyers from both offices reporting in to the same heads of practices and sectors.
Fieldfisher Managing Partner Michael Chissick said:
"This is a positive step forwards for the firm. By expanding our presence in Manchester, we will have a stronger presence in the North West market, which will also allow for greater flexibility in the way we price and deliver our services to clients. I am delighted to welcome Heatons' team to the firm, and look forward to delivering future success together."
Matthew Fleetwood added:
"We are delighted to join with Fieldfisher, and welcome their Manchester-based lawyers to our offices. Having established a reputation for excellence in the North West market, this move will give us the platform to expand our client base and achieve further success. We are all enthused by the prospect of working together with our new colleagues to provide a great service for our clients."