A SCOTTISH law firm has further expanded their business interests in the north east after merging with a local firm.
Edinburgh-based Balfour+Manson has has been conducing business in the north east for 20 years, but has announced a further expansion with its acquisition of estate agents and solicitors Alastair Hart & Co.
AH&Co, which has offices in both Aberdeen City and Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, has been run by Alastair Hart since the mid-1990s.
Hart will join the merged practice as a consultant for a short period.
Scott Foster, Balfour+Manson COO, said: “We are delighted to announce the merger with the well-known and respected North-east legal business Alastair Hart & Co.
“This is a terrific addition to our business and very much in line with Balfour+Manson’s growth plans.
“Alastair, who has been referring work to our Aberdeen team for some time, will initially work as a consultant to support the bedding in and transfer of his business and clients to the merged firm.”
Balfour+Manson will maintain AH&Co’s presence in Portlethen, where the firm has mainly provided private client residential conveyancing and estate agency for 25 years.
AH&Co’s Aberdeen office will move to Balfour+Manson’s Albyn Place office on 29th May as part of the merger.
Alastair Hart said: “I’ve had a very enjoyable legal career, I have always been very impressed by Balfour+Manson and feel we share the same ethos.
“I therefore know my clients will continue to be in safe, experienced and skilled hands.”
This follows the announcement that Amy McKay and Greg Lawson have been made partners at Balfour+Manson in Aberdeen.
McKay, a property specialist and Lawson, a private client lawyer will both work closely with Alastair Hart during the handover period.
Julie Clark-Spence, partner at Balfour+Manson, said: “We are all delighted to welcome Alastair Hart & Co into the Balfour+Manson family.
“We have known Alastair for many years and it has always been clear that his clients have benefited from a high standard of personal service and professionalism.
“We all look forward to working with Alastair to ensure a smooth handover of business and to continue providing AH&Co clients with the excellent customer service and legal expertise.”
The acquisition is due to be completed on June 30 2024.