Mergers & Acquisitions
Trusted advisers for the sale and acquisition of legal practices
The market for law firm M&A has expanded significantly as the legal profession adapts to a changing competitive landscape. Capital and Trust advises partners and firm owners who are considering a sale, merger, or strategic acquisition providing the independent guidance that a significant professional services transaction demands.
We understand the particular sensitivities involved in selling a legal practice.
Client confidentiality
Staff tenure
Regulatory obligations
Reputational considerations that matter deeply to partners who have spent careers building their firms
A market in transition
Consolidation in the legal sector is accelerating. ABS structures, private equity investment, and the strategic ambitions of national and regional groups have all increased the pool of credible buyers for quality practices. For firm owners, this is an opportunity but one that requires the right advice to navigate effectively.
The value of a law firm is determined by more than fee income. Client relationships, work-in-progress, staff stability, practice area mix, and lock-up levels all affect both valuation and buyer appetite. We help sellers understand how they will be assessed, and ensure that deal structures reflect the genuine value of what they have built.
For acquiring firms
If you are looking to grow your practice through acquisition, whether to enter a new geography, add a practice area, or bring on an established team, we maintain ongoing relationships with firms and partners across the UK who are considering their options. We can introduce you to opportunities that align with your strategy, saving time and preserving confidentiality on both sides.
Why Capital and Trust for legal M&A?
Specialist knowledge of the legal services market and the regulatory framework governing firm sales
Relationships with strategic acquirers, consolidators, and private equity-backed buyers active in the legal sector
Independent advice on valuation, deal structure, and partner exit terms
Success-only fees, no charge unless your transaction completes
Discreet handling of every mandate, protecting client relationships and firm reputation throughout
Support from our network of legal, compliance, and tax specialists
Testimonials
See what our clients have to say
Sam Motia and Capital and Trust’s service have been exceptional. They have listened to our needs, requirements and goals and delivered on the target acquisitions that we have asked for. They have assisted through the acquisition process and enabled the transactions to run smoothly from the outset. We’ve been a client for a number of years and the acquisitions that C&T have collaborated on have made a significant impact on our company.
Jamie Philip
Saltus Financial Planning Limited
When I was looking at exploring my potential options, Capital and Trust provided me with the detailed knowledge, insight and expertise of the different propositions available to me. They guided me through from beginning to end, introducing me to the buyers that not only fitted my personal needs, but the needs of my staff and most importantly the needs of our clients. They gave me support throughout the deal process and were always available if I had any questions. For anyone looking to sell their business or even buy a business, I would strongly recommend getting touch with the guys at Capital and Trust.
Craig Gibson
AGL Wealth Management Ltd
We have worked alongside Capital and Trust for several years because we have always valued their expertise and extensive connections in the sector. Our recent experience of working with them on a transaction has consolidated this view – they helped us find a buyer that was the perfect fit in terms of deal structure and company culture. Their approach was superb; the team was professional and knowledgeable, maintaining excellent lines of communication throughout. Expert negotiators, they helped us to achieve the best possible outcome. Based on our experience we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Capital and Trust, and particularly Sam Motia, to anyone considering a business move.
John Hughes
Omnium Capital Limited
Fantastic Brokers!
Flora and Amelia helped me find the write partner to truly fit my aspirations for sale of my IFA business.
They were professional, knowledgeable and communicated well throughout.
I would highly recommend their service.....HArry O'Connor
HJ Wealth Management Ltd
I cannot recommend Capital & Trust highly enough, especially Joe. They recently helped me sell my commercial insurance brokerage, and the support I received from start to finish was exceptional. The team took the time to understand my objectives, guided me through every step of the process, and were always on hand when I needed advice or reassurance. Their professionalism, communication, and determination made what could have been a daunting process feel straightforward and manageable.Thanks to their expertise and hard work, the sale was completed successfully, and I am delighted with the outcome. A fantastic team to work with and one I would confidently recommend to other business owners.
Jo McAlpine
One Business Cover Ltd
It has been just shy of a year now that…
It has been just shy of a year now that I used Capital and Trust and in particular Tom Alaka.
Very personable person to deal with, none of the smoke that you often get fed. Supportive, professional company. Highly recommendrecommend to other business owners.James Slater
JNC Safety Services Limited
Capital and Trust’s Tom Alaka, worked with us over two years until we found suitable buyers for our Financial Planning Business. We lost our first buyers due to the changing economic and lending environment, but Tom continued supporting us just as enthusiastically as he did at the start of our relationship.
We’re a fairly big concern and the first deal falling through must have been a blow to Tom, but you’d never have known it.
Thankfully for us Tom found us better buyers, perfect for us, allowing the business to do what it’s best at, but supporting growth.
Thank you Tom, thank you Capital and Trust 🏆Steve Piacenti
We've worked with Capital and Trust on a number of transactions over recent years and have always found them to be excellent. Their knowledge of the industry is extremely strong and they genuinely offer support throughout the entire transaction where necessary. We look forward to continuing to work together on future acquisitions.
James Taylor
From taking the time to get to know our…
From taking the time to get to know our business model and also offer us introductions to a number of parties capital and trust delivered on the promise to find us the best suited buyer at the best price . We would definitely recommend
Mike Horseman
We recently worked with Euan to sell our accountancy and corporate recovery businesses. From introducing us to suitable buyers to guiding us through the process and keeping it moving forward when necessary Euan was always available. He was helpful and professional throughout and we had no hesitation in recommending him and C&T to two other firms looking to sell.end
We have used Capital and Trust on multiple occasions and always found the team to be proactive, diligent and solutions focused. They have in depth knowledge and contacts in the industry and go beyond simply making an introduction, with help and support throughout the process where required.
Steve sharp
I enjoy working with Capital and Trust and appreciate the care that they take to pair sellers with the most appropriate buyer. Good cultural alignment is as important to them as it is to us.
Paul Beck
My experience with Capital and Trust
From first contact to completion, Tobias and Rory showed lots of experience and depth of knowledge of the market and were honest and transparent from the get go.
They seemed to be well connected and have most of the financial planning market market covered. I was introduced to the most likely of firms that were considered the best fit for what we were looking for and after a quick elimination process they guided and supported me to the a conclusion that worked for my firm, my clients and my future.Jaeson Humphries
Amelia has been so easy to work with. She's always been there to explain what happens next and has been a cool head when negotiations got heated. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and Capital & Trust.
Wendy
Amelia has been so easy to work with. She's always been there to explain what happens next and has been a cool head when negotiations got heated. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and Capital & Trust.
Amelia has been so easy to work with. She's always been there to explain what happens next and has been a cool head when negotiations got heated. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and Capital & Trust.
Amelia has been so easy to work with. She's always been there to explain what happens next and has been a cool head when negotiations got heated. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and Capital & Trust.
Talk to us
The decision to sell or merge a legal practice is rarely straightforward. We are here to help you think through your options carefully and without obligation