Armstrong Watson helps to secure future of longstanding Cumbrian law firm

Armstrong Watson’s legal sector specialists have helped secure the future of long-standing Cumbrian law firm Bleasdale & Co Solicitors. 

Legal Sector Partner Andy Poole and his team supported Bleasdale & Co by arranging and securing an acquisition of the business by Bendles Solicitors, another local law firm which covers similar areas of law.

Andy described the deal as a “win-win” for both firms as it will strengthen the services they offer to their collective client base. 

Whitehaven-based Bleasdale & Co was established in 1920 and has a long-standing reputation in the local area. Bendles, which has provided legal services for more than 200 years, is also based in Cumbria and has offices in Carlisle and Wigton.

Pam Thomas, Director at Bleasdale & Co Solicitors, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bendles Solicitors. We think this will strengthen the offering to our clients in the West Cumbria area and help deliver an even better service. The fact that we cover similar areas of law will strengthen the advice and support that we can give to our clients.”

Andy Poole said: “We were engaged to help Bleasdale & Co with the future succession of their firm. They wanted to find a firm with the right cultural fit to theirs, whilst arranging a deal to protect their future. We explored the legal sector market and suggested potentially suitable firms, before making introductions and broking a deal.

“It quickly became clear that Bendles ticked a lot of boxes and that we could negotiate a deal that appeared to be win-win. That was achieved fairly easily with goodwill on all sides. We assisted with due diligence and then with the commercial aspects of the Asset Purchase Agreement and in project-managing the deal to completion.”

He added: “Pam and Sarah were great to work with, and it was nice for them to respond with praise for Armstrong Watson.”

In a message of thanks, the directors of Bleasdale & Co said: “Thank you so much for your support and efforts in getting this past the post. I cannot put into words what this means to us. I have always felt in safe hands with you and I hugely appreciate your hard work and the speed at which you have dealt with things on our behalf.”