A Cornwall-headquartered law firm founded nearly 300 years ago has acquired another legal practice in the county for an undisclosed sum.
Coodes Solicitors said the addition of Boscastle-based Christopher Key Solicitors (CKSL) would "strengthen" its presence across Cornwall and Devon.
It also said the deal was "a positive step" for both businesses and supported its ongoing growth strategy, while allowing Chris Key of CKSL to step back from practice.
Established in 1998, CKSL operates across North Cornwall and Devon, specialising in areas including residential property, commercial property and wills and probate.
Coodes is one of the Ƶ’s longest-established law firms, having been founded in 1747, and has more than 180 staff across eight offices in Cornwall and Devon.
Elise Alma, who was appointed chair of Coodes earlier this year, said the acquisition of CKSL reflected the company's ambitions while staying "true to the culture and values" of the business.
She said: “CKSL has earned the trust and respect of discerning clients with residential and commercial property matters to resolve. The private client element of the practice also aligns with and complements our strategic focus as we look to extend our presence north and east in the years ahead.
"The strong, lasting client relationships developed by Chris and his team make a seamless continuity of service for every client our immediate priority. Our new clients will benefit from the breadth of Coodes’ expertise and the same attentive personal service, delivered by the same people they have come to trust, who know the area and its nuances.”
Mr Key said: “After many rewarding years, the time is right for me to step back from the day-to-day pressure of a busy practice. I wanted a successor that would look after my clients and my team as I would. And Coodes definitely fits that bill.
“I’ve worked positively with several members of the Coodes team over the years and have great confidence in their standards, values and local understanding, which is critical to delivering the legal services my clients have come to value.
“It is reassuring to ease into a new phase, knowing my clients will be in very safe hands and able to access an increased range of services to meet their personal and commercial needs.”
This year marks a new chapter in Coodes’ history, with a transformed leadership team at the helm to drive the firm’s continued growth.
Ms Alma succeeded Peter Lamble as chair following his retirement after 23 years with the firm, while partner Abi Lutey was appointed chief operating officer and Becky Hosken became chief people officer.
Ms Lutey said: “Chris has built an impressive and highly regarded practice, and we are delighted he has chosen Coodes to carry on that legacy, recognising much in our firm that matches his own.
“This acquisition strengthens our capabilities in an important area of potential growth for us and aligns with our wider growth ambitions, both geographically and in the strength and depth of our private client and business services. We have agreed to maintain and deliver the client work for existing and new staff from Chris’ office in Boscastle.”
