Private-equity backed Lawfront have announced the acquisition of Southern-based Trethowans taking the total fee income for the group to over £130m.
The thirteenth acquisition is part of the group’s strategy to acquire large regional firms with ‘strong’ brands in their localities. In recent months Lawfront have added south-east focused Brachers LLP, North West-based Farleys, and Manchester’s Slater Heelis to their portfolio of firms with ‘dedication to their people, and management teams that have a history of delivering profitable growth.’
Lawfront is backed by private-equity house Blixt with the the acquisition of Trethowans being the largest to date and sixth large regional firm acquisition. Trethowans have a history of over 150 years and is active in its local communities says Managing Partner Mike Watson, supporting several charities and organisations in the arts and sport.
“Trethowans is a forward-thinking law firm, and our partnership with Lawfront presents an excellent opportunity to under-pin and accelerate our growth following a year in which turnover grew by more than 20%. Our excellent reputation in delivering high-quality, client centric, services and the strength of our commitment to our people and communities in which we work provide a solid foundation for continued success.
“With Lawfront’s support, we look forward to expanding the Trethowans brand within our existing office locations and beyond. Being part of a larger group while preserving our brand identity and culture is a distinctive feature of Lawfront that made this partnership very compelling.”
Its growth has seen revenues climb to near £30m revenue, with the firm highly ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers and recognised by the ‘The Times Best Law Firms 2025’ list.
This partnership with Lawfront will ‘support Trethowans to accelerate its ambitious growth plans, broaden and enhance its services to clients and offer further development to its people’ said Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO.
“I am delighted to welcome another strategic partner to our rapidly growing group. Trethowans has such a strong brand and reputation in its region, and we are impressed with their own rapid growth and entrepreneurial, no-nonsense approach to legal services. Lawfront are increasingly seen as the leading consolidator in the regional full service legal market: backing firms’ management teams, preserving their client facing brands, enhancing the prospects of their people and bringing to bear considerable experience in marketing, IT, finance, people and compliance. The high-quality firms, such as Trethowans, that have partnered with Lawfront are testament to our leading position. We provide a very credible alternative to the equity partnership model of ownership, addressing concerns of succession, legacy and the scale of investment required to remain competitive. I really look forward to working with Mike Watson and his team to continue and accelerate Trethowans’s growth.”
Commenting on the latest acquisition Carl Harring, CEO at Blixt, concluded
“More great news for Lawfront’s exciting growth trajectory. Blixt supports ambitious businesses, like Lawfront, with the resources and strategic insight they need to grow and thrive. Trethowans is a great addition for them bringing a leading presence in a new region and great leadership with the drive and ambition to accelerate growth whilst maintaining a genuine focus on their people, clients and communities. It was only in the first quarter of the year that we celebrated passing the £100m revenue milestone but now we are realistically looking at exceeding £150m over the next 12 months.”
