Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP is further expanding in Scotland and consolidating and strengthening its east coast practice by merging with CCW Business Lawyers.

Fraser Gillies, WJM managing partner, said: "I think we will make an impact on the market in Edinburgh in a way we haven’t quite done thus far."

He signalled more merger activity, saying the firm "remains open to further opportunities for growth in Edinburgh and other areas provided they fit the strategy".

The merged firm will be known as Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM). The merger, due to take effect from December 3, marks the next stage in WJM's strategic growth plan and comes as the firm prepares to enter its 165th year in 2019.

The merger adds strength to Glasgow-based WJM’s existing offering - in particular in commercial property and corporate – and bolsters the firm’s national footprint, it said.

Mr Gillies noted the strategy included building on well-established client services.

He added: "A particular focus is owner-managed businesses which sometimes can be pretty substantial, combined with a focus on a handful of sectors where we are particularly well-known, such as energy, and renewable energy in particular.

"We focus on industry sectors where we have traction, we have a name, and it gives us leverage in terms of attracting clients that a firm of our size might not otherwise be acting for."

The Herald:

Four partners, John Clarke, Stephen Cotton, Alison Marshall and Michael Dewar, and eight employees from CCW’s Edinburgh and Dunfermline offices will join WJM, which, following recent partner promotions, will take WJM to 31 partners and 60 fee-earners.

Mr Gillies said: “There were also clear synergies in our client bases amongst the small and medium-sized enterprises, owner managed and family business sectors.

"Both our firms share a substantial heritage combined with a modern outlook on the delivery of legal services."

Mr Gillies added: “The merger with CCW consolidates our existing Edinburgh practice, gives us a presence in Dunfermline, and gives us a fantastic platform for continued growth."

Mr Clarke, CCW’s managing partner, said the merger securing its future and broadens services.

He said: "Not only does it ensure continuity for at least the next 15 years ... but, through our new colleagues in WJM we will be able to offer existing clients an extended range of services.”

CCW is 15 years old in its current form but claims to be able to trace its roots back 300 years to Fife.

WJM's growth phase began in 2015 following the acquisition of a number of senior appointments from McClure Naismith in Glasgow.

In 2016 WJM merged with MacArthur & Co in Inverness and in 2017 a further merger with BMK Wilson in Glasgow and Dunblane, while the acquisition of the clients of Robertson & Co in Kingussie followed.