Knights makes strategic acquisition in South East

Knights, the UK's largest regional legal and professional services business, has strengthened its presence in the South East with its recent acquisition of Moore Barlow's commercial and private wealth business. This move follows Knights’ earlier acquisition of THP Solicitors, marking a focused growth strategy within key regions across Southern England. The acquisition is set to enhance Knights’ workforce by adding over 160 legal professionals who bring valuable expertise across several vital sectors including Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Private Wealth, and Landed Estates.

David Beech, CEO of Knights, shared his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating that "Moore Barlow has a strong reputation across the South East and we are pleased to welcome them to Knights." He highlighted the significant opportunities that lie within these attractive markets and expressed confidence that the integration of Moore Barlow's established client relationships and specialist knowledge with Knights' extensive national resources will provide enhanced support to clients. He also emphasized that "this is our second acquisition announcement this week and reflects the momentum we continue to see across the business," indicating a robust expansion strategy.

The merger not only strengthens Knights' capability but also retains local expertise, ensuring that clients can continue to rely on trusted relationships. The firm aims to combine the strengths of local practitioners with its broader capabilities to deliver comprehensive services. Clients will work with familiar faces while gaining access to an enhanced range of services that Knights can offer across the UK.

Ed Whittington from Moore Barlow noted that "over the past five years, Moore Barlow has built a strong commercial and private client practice across the South East," demonstrating the firm’s success before the acquisition. He explained that the decision to partition the firm into two entities was made after careful consideration, allowing both sides to pursue their growth aspirations effectively. Whittington acknowledged Knights' established presence and track record in the region, which aligns with their vision for future growth.

The completion of this acquisition, anticipated for 1 November 2026, will see Knights solidifying its commitment to professional service excellence while continuing to make strategic investments in regions such as the Thames Valley, Essex, Kent, and Sussex. As Knights expands, it officially positions itself as the legal and professional services firm of choice across the UK's regions, a testament to its remarkable growth amid evolving market dynamics.