Law firm Gordons acquires Bradford-based David Yablon Solicitors
Thursday 24th May 2007
Leeds and Bradford-based law firm Gordons LLP has announced that it has acquired Bradford practice David Yablon Solicitors. The deal immediately increases Gordons’ fee income by over £2m to almost £21m and sees David Yablon’s entire complement of five partners, 37 fee earners and 21 support staff join the firm.
David Yablon’s offices on Piccadilly are less than 100 yards away from Gordons’ Bradford offices and will be retained providing the firm with an even greater presence in the city where it was founded in 1844.
Gordons’ managing partner Paul Ayre said: “This acquisition is part of Gordons’ ongoing controlled growth strategy and demonstrates our commitment to further developing the business in Bradford. These are exciting times for the city and we are ideally placed to capitalise upon the opportunities already being created by Bradford’s regeneration.
“We are very pleased to acquire David Yablon. It is a respected law firm that has had a presence in Bradford for over 50 years. Like Gordons, the firm has a reputation for providing straight forward, results-driven advice and this deal will benefit both clients and staff.”
David Yablon’s clients include Findel plc, St James Securities Limited, Britannia Developments Limited and Blackshaw Holdings Limited. It is also the firm behind Law4U which provides a range of legal services and employee benefits to employees of a number of national companies.
Lester Christie, senior partner at David Yablon, said: “Gordons has achieved a remarkable rate of growth over the past five years, but has retained the personal values which we think are important. This is a good match for David Yablon.
“This deal provides additional resources and skills to our clients and further opportunities for our personnel. Together, we will work to ensure that the firm continues to achieve excellent financial performance and deliver strong growth.”
Gordons’ record turnover of £17.4m for 2005-06 saw it recognised by trade industry publication The Lawyer as the third best performing mid-market firm in the UK. (This increased in 2006-07 to £18.7m).
The Lawyer publishes an annual Rising 50 table based on turnover which comprises those firms just outside the UK’s top 100. Gordons’ nine per cent rise in revenue means it is the highest placed Yorkshire-based law firm in the table.
The firm’s clients include Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc, personal care and footwear & accessories company Peter Black Group, international brewers Coors and the world’s largest electrical heating business Glen Dimplex.
Gordons now employs 303 people, 167 of which are fee earners. Gordons has 11 departments comprising commercial property, company, commercial litigation, construction, intellectual property, employment, risk & compliance, residential conveyancing, personal injury, personal and family.