Switalskis Group acquires Calculus Legal Costs

Switalskis Group, a well-established national law firm, has taken a significant step by acquiring the specialist legal costs services provider, Calculus Legal Costs Holdings Limited. This acquisition allows Calculus to retain its identity, management, and client relationships, while joining forces with a company that shares a commitment to high-quality client service and specialist expertise. Established in 2003 in Southport by John Hayes, Calculus has grown from modest beginnings into a prominent provider of legal costs advice and services, catering to many of the UK’s leading personal injury and clinical negligence firms.

Calculus has adeptly adapted to the challenging and evolving legal costs landscape, where overall volumes have decreased, but cases have become more complex. The company offers a variety of technical services, including the preparation of detailed costs budgets, drafting formal bills of costs, and managing points of dispute and reply, along with representation at various types of costs hearings. The team at Calculus includes several qualified costs lawyers, all of whom are encouraged to pursue qualification and career development, signalling an environment that values internal growth and talent.

John Hayes will remain with Calculus as a director, ensuring continuity for clients who will still engage with the same team under existing commercial arrangements and upholding the highest standards of confidentiality. Switalskis has had a working relationship with Calculus since September 2018, utilising its services for part of its own legal costs work. This long-standing collaboration has provided Switalskis with a comprehensive understanding of Calculus’ approach, which combines technical expertise with a responsive service.

John Durkan, CEO of Switalskis, stated that “this is an important acquisition for Switalskis as it brings additional highly engaged and respected specialists, skills and knowledge into our group.” He emphasised that while both organisations will operate distinctly, shared resources and expertise across areas such as HR and IT will lead to various advantages. Durkan noted a strong cultural alignment between the businesses, asserting that both firms prioritise client relationships and invest in their teams.

The decision for Calculus to sell comes at a time when the company is performing robustly. Reflecting on this choice, John Hayes recounted the impact of a personal incident in Southport on 29 July 2024, which led him to reconsider his priorities and the future direction for the business. He commented, “My clients have been very supportive of my decision, which has meant a great deal to me,” expressing pride in the company he has built over two decades. He recognized the acquisition as a pathway to ensure the ongoing success of Calculus, stating, “Switalskis was a natural choice. We’ve worked together for many years, they know the quality of our work, our people and the demands of the costs market.”

By joining the Switalskis Group, Calculus anticipates benefiting from enhanced opportunities for its team and a commitment to the longevity of its Southport office, paving the way for future growth. Hayes looks forward to seeing Calculus thrive within this new partnership, stating, “I look forward to seeing Calculus continue to develop and grow while benefiting from the opportunities that being part of the Switalskis Group will bring.”