Hoopers Genealogical Researchers (Hoopers), a long-established genealogy firm has been acquired by law firm Edwin Coe LLP marking the end of independent operations for the business which was founded in 1969 and can trace its origins back over 100 years.
Hoopers was founded by Gertrude Christensen – a relative of the current partners of probate research firm Fraser and Fraser – and Alfred Hooper. Following the dissolution of the original partnership set up in 1923, two separate firms were established: G.B. Hooper & Son and Fraser and Fraser.
The transaction will see Hoopers integrated into Edwin Coe’s Private Client Group, with the firm’s pipeline of probate research cases and client relationships preserved. The firms already has partners and employees who are Barristers, Chartered Tax Advisers and Trade Mark Attorneys and says the acquisition ‘reflects the trend amongst progressive law firms to have independent businesses owned alongside the legal practice.’ They say they have consulted with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who have confirmed Hoopers will be run as a fully compliant stand-alone business.
Following the acquisition, the Hoopers team will relocate to new offices separate from, but adjacent to, those of Edwin Coe in Lincoln’s Inn.
Alison Broadberry, Edwin Coe’s Managing Partner and Head of Private Client commented:
“I am delighted to welcome the team at Hoopers. This acquisition underscores Edwin Coe’s continued commitment to growth and specialist work within the private capital sector. Hoopers’ values align strongly with our culture and with our mission to be Collaborative, Committed and Connected with all our stakeholders.”
Lauren Harris, CEO of Hoopers, added:
“The Hoopers team are excited to have a new parent company that is committed to the continuing growth of our business, whilst allowing us to operate as a separate business, albeit alongside Edwin Coe’s thriving law firm.”
The move has been described as a ‘notable development’ given the current consolidation in the sector by the partners at Fraser and Fraser.
“Given the historical connection between our founding families, we recognise Hoopers’ contribution to the probate research profession. We wish Edwin Coe and Hoopers’ remaining staff every success for the future.”
Commenting on the acquisition Fraser and Fraser add the deal comes at a time when independent probate research companies face increasing legal compliance demands, higher fixed costs, and greater scrutiny of employment and operational practices. The alignment with an established legal practice offers a route to ‘secure its existing caseload and mitigate future risk.’ and reflects a broader trend of strategic mergers between genealogical research specialists and law firms, blending research capability with contentious probate and trust dispute expertise.
