ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE practice Bromleys has joined the MAPD Group – the business powering the growth of local law firms.
The MAPD name stands for Making A Positive Difference and reflects its sense of purpose, which is to create an environment for its people, clients and communities to have the best possible experience.
Bromleys fits the MAPD model of successful practices looking for enhanced operational and financial firepower to propel their businesses forward.
The firm, which is now to be led by managing partner, Paul Westwell, will maintain its name and brand, with the ownership being transferred to MAPD but with Paul retaining an interest.
Bromleys has been located in Ashton-under-Lyne for over 180 years. Its 58-strong team serves commercial and individual clients across Tameside and Manchester.
The firm has previously been recognised as small firm of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards.
It has the largest childcare team in Greater Manchester and is particularly well-known for its Court of Protection work.
Paul Westwell says: “I started and have developed my career at Bromleys and make no secret of the fact that it plays a massive part in my life. That’s why it was so important to choose the right partner to help us unleash the potential that Bromleys has.
That partner is MAPD. We are now part of a group that shares our values and ambitions for the future. This is an exciting time for our staff and offers us the opportunity to grow together whilst supporting our existing and new clients.”
MAPD owners Brian Cullen and Joanna Kingston-Davies – respectively CEO and COO – are committed to investing in local law firms and helping them to grow. Joanna Kingston-Davies says: “MAPD is passionate about acquiring great law firms and supporting their growth.
It was immediately obvious when meeting Paul that the firm shared our values and had many of the credentials we look for in a law firm, namely: a loyal and diverse client base, strong roots in its local community and a keen commitment to its people.
“Brian and I are thrilled to welcome Bromleys to the MAPD family, and we very much look forward to making a positive difference in their local community.”
The acquisition was funded by Shard Credit Partners. Advising the MAPD Group were James Curtis and Connor Monaghan of DSW.
Legal advice came from Natasha Lackner and Mollie Williams of O’Connors. Financial and Tax due diligence was carried out by Andrew Cameron, Grahame Maughan and Jonathan Delaney of RG Corporate Finance.
Advising Bromleys was Andy Poole Corporate Finance Partner at Armstrong Watson and legal advice came from Nicholas Fielden and Craig Whittingham of FMGS.