PE-backing for family, corporate and conveyancing firm

A private equity (PE) firm has invested an undisclosed sum into Manchester-based Beyond Law Group as part of a ‘strategic partnership… delivering a long term vision to become the UK’s leading law firm for corporate and consumer legal services.’

Waterland Private Equity was founded in 1999 and says it currently manages over 14 billion Euros of investment and assets. Other professional services businesses recently backed by Waterland include Cooper Parry, AFO Group, Moore Belgium and Horn & Company.

Beyond Law Group describes itself as a ‘disruptor’ to traditional legal services. It ‘creates, builds and grows specialist legal practices each with individual client propositions.’ To date it’s brands include Beyond Corporate, McAlister Family Law and Home Property Law, with offices in Manchester Cheshire and London. The firm employs over 100 people and was recognised by The Financial Times as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe having grown organically by 20% year on year.

Waterland’s investment is the latest in a growing trend of PE investment in legal services. In 2023 online barristers’ chambers The Barrister Group (TBG) secured what it described as ‘significant private equity investment in its mission to bring technology and flexibility to the 21st century Bar’ from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Stockport-based home moving brand Movera was acquired by PE firm Inflexion in 2019.

Prominent family firm Stowe Family Law was acquired by Livingbridge in 2017. Since then, the firm has completed a number of acquisitions most recently Hawkins Family Law, growing to a network of more than 90 offices across England and Wales, with a headcount of over 180 practitioners

Commenting on the investment, Matt Fleetwood, Beyond Law Group’s Founder and Chief Executive, says

“In Waterland we have found an experienced and supportive partner to help us achieve our growth ambitions and vision of being the UK’s leading provider of corporate and consumer legal services. We see strong potential to expand nationally, particularly in London, and Waterland’s experience as a specialist buy and build investor will help us to deliver our ambitious acquisition strategy, finding high-quality businesses to partner with and integrate into our growing network.”

Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland Private Equity, adds

“Beyond Law Group is a stand-out professional services business which is disrupting the legal industry and setting itself apart from its competitors. We are looking forward to working closely with Matt and the management team to support their vision for the future and enable Beyond Law Group to continue to expand its portfolio through a combination of buy and build and organic growth. Together we will continue to accelerate Beyond Law Group’s journey of sustained success, and we are delighted to be supporting the business in this way.”

 

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