DAC and Beachcroft agree deal to create £175m+ turnover firm

Beachcroft and Davies Arnold Cooper have given the green light to a merger that will create a combined law firm with around 230 partners and a turnover of more than £175m.

The new firm – to be called DAC Beachcroft – will formally launch on 1 November 2011. It will have 2,000 staff spread across eight offices in the UK as well as a number of international locations.

Both firms have a growing reputation for public sector work. Beachcroft in particular has won partner status following procurement exercises by the South West Wales Legal Consortium and the North West Legal Consortium.

“DAC Beachcroft will have market-leading teams working with clients in the insurance, real estate and healthcare sectors,” the firms said in a statement. “The merger will also create significantly enhanced teams advising clients on their corporate, commercial, regulatory, employment and dispute resolution requirements.”

Paul Murray, Managing Partner of Beachcroft, said: "We are very pleased to be creating a firm with such considerable strength across its core markets. Both firms specialise in the insurance sector and the combined firm will provide insurance clients with a distinctive, full-service offering in the UK and internationally. Beachcroft's market-leading health practice will be well complemented by Davies Arnold Cooper's strong presence in the life sciences sector."

Danny Gowan, Senior Partner at Davies Arnold Cooper, added: "In addition to the benefits it provides to our insurance clients, the merger doubles the size of each firm’s existing real estate practice. I am particularly encouraged that both firms have similar cultures which will help ensure a successful merger."