Premier Solicitors has cemented its position as the UK’s second largest probate provider with the acquisition of four firms. The strategic move strengthens the Bedford-based firm’s market-leading status as a probate provider, second only to Co-Op Legal Services.
Norfolk Will Writing, Notary Express, Will & Probate Partnership and Waller Pollins Goldstein will now collectively operate under the Premier Solicitors umbrella, bringing with them a substantial client database and significant volume of stored wills.
While the firm says it has “no immediate plans” to position itself as a high volume will writing or estate planning firm, the strategic acquisitions “are perfectly aligned” with its core business, the it said in a statement.
“These carefully selected acquisitions represent a major step forward in our continued commitment to delivering exceptional probate and estate administration services to clients across the country, whilst strengthening our market position in an increasingly fragmented sector,” the statement added.
Premier Solicitors’ chief revenue officer David Masterton said:
“We’re thrilled to complete our first acquisitions of 2026, which mark an important chapter in Premier Solicitors’ strategic development.
“These purchases bring with them a substantial client database and a significant volume of stored wills, which directly supports our strategy to enhance and increase the flow of probate and estate administration instructions into the firm. This in turn supports our customers and firm through our wider full-service law firm capability.”
Jamie Playford is founder and director of Leading Business Recovery. He said of the deal:
“From my very first discussions with David, it became immediately clear that Premier Solicitors was unquestionably the best home for our valued clients and their interests. The firm offers not only the reassurance and comfort of a full-service law firm capability, but also the professional expertise and resources that our clients deserve and expect.
“Throughout this entire process, I have been genuinely impressed by David and the wider Premier team’s approachability, flexibility, openness, and integrity. Their commitment to ensuring a seamless transition has been exemplary, and it has been a pleasure working with such professional and personable individuals.
“This is an undoubtedly exciting time for everyone involved, and I very much look forward to supporting and facilitating a smooth transition that prioritises the needs of clients whilst maintaining the high standards of service they have come to expect. I’m confident that this partnership will deliver excellent outcomes for all parties.”
The probate market remains highly fragmented, Masterton pointed out, with the top five providers collectively accounting for less than 15% of the total professional probate application volume annually.
“This fragmentation presents significant potential for further consolidation, and we remain committed to pursuing strategic acquisitions that align with our values and enhance our service offering to clients,” Masterton concluded.
