Hessle-based specialist software developer Select Legal Systems Ltd has been bought out by The Access Group.
The specialist provider to Ƶ law firms was set up by founding directors Mike Craven and Steve Dixon in 1993. In 28 years it has developed a suite of software solutions, going on to support more than 200 firms nationwide while employing 42 staff.
Lawfusion is the company’s flagship product.
Essex-headquartered Access Group is described as one of the Ƶ’s leading providers of software to the mid-market, and the addition of Saxon Way-based Select follows the acquisitions of Eclipse and DPS in July last year.
Doug Sawers, managing director of Access Legal, said: “This acquisition further solidifies our commanding position in the Ƶ Legal software market and takes us a step closer to creating the first-of-its-kind digital workplace delivered through Access Workspace for Legal.
“We are delighted to be welcoming the Select Legal team to the Access Group and are excited by the experience and capability they will add to our existing legal offering.”
Select was launched when Mr Craven and Mr Dixon left one of the leading legal software houses.
Mr Dixon said: “Over the last 28 years we are proud to have built Select Legal into one of the Ƶ’s leading legal software providers. The growth of the business has been established on a solid foundation of delivering flexible solutions that support our customers in all their operations. We are excited to bring the Access value to all our customers and build on the long-standing relationships we have established to date."
He told how the opportunity was right for the pair to pursue an exit strategy, with Mr Craven at retirement age.
Haines Watts advised the directors, with Jennifer Toulson, managing partner in the Humber region, initiating the “successful deal for all parties”.
She said: “ It’s always rewarding to match suitable parties and to facilitate the progression of respective future business strategies.”
Chris Hird and Maria McKenna covering corporate finance advice.
Mr Hird said: “Steve and Mike have developed an excellent business that is a perfect fit with the Access Group and allows it to further consolidate its presence and expertise in the legal sector.”
Legal advice was provided by Philip Clare and Sara Worsick of Muckle LLP, with Access represented by Burness Paul LLP, and advised on financial, tax and commercial due diligence by PWC.
