Brodies merges with Bishops to gain Glasgow base

Edinburgh-based firm Brodies is to merge with fellow Scottish firm Bishops next month, creating a Caledonian big-hitter boasting 47 partners and over 200 fee-earners.

The move gives commercial firm Brodies a foothold in Glasgow, as seven- partner full-service firm Bishops has offices in both cities.

This is the second merger for Brodies in the last 12 months, after it swallowed local four-partner commercial property minnow Fyfe Ireland in November last year.

Partners at the firm are also toasting a jubilant financial year. Turnover for 2005-6 rose more than 14 per cent, from £18.3m last year to £20.9m this; while profits leapt 26 per cent, up from £6.66m to £8.48m.