Bevan Ashford partners complete Cardiff MBO

Bevan Ashford's Cardiff partners have completed a management buyout (MBO) of the office.

Former partners Nigel Morgan, Jonathan Fernandez Lewis and Christopher Mayers completed the MBO last week. The new firm will be known as MLM Morgan Lewis Mayers.

Associate David King will become a partner. The rest of the staff will join the new firm, with the exception of former Cardiff managing partner Charles Metherell and assistant Vanessa Taylor, who have returned to Bevan Ashford's Bristol office.

The Cardiff partners put forward the idea of an MBO after a review at Bevan Ashford found that the office no longer fits the firm's overall strategy (The Lawyer, 18 December 2000 and 16 April 2001).

Morgan, who becomes MLM's senior partner, says: "We were delighted that the deal was concluded on an amicable basis and that we've the opportunity of continuing this business."

Bevan Ashford chief executive Nick Jarrett-Kerr says: "The decision has been made following detailed discussions and suited both parties' strategies for consolidation and growth. We'll continue to have a limited presence in Cardiff, but in the main, our interests in Wales will now be serviced by our Bristol operation. Our expansion plans are primarily targeted at London and Birmingham."

The deal comes as Bevan Ashford is opening its new Birmingham office, targeting health, employment and projects work. Employment partner Jean Sapeta has relocated from Bristol to become managing partner of the new office. She is joined by a team of NHS and health sector specialists.