In brief: Pensions firm Hand & Co to close

Niche pensions firm Hand & Co is to close. Its sole partner, Graham Chrystie, will join 19-partner general practice Edwin Coe following the death of Sean Hand. Chrystie said: "Sean Hand founded Hand & Co just over a year ago. The firm built up a reputation as a leading pensions litigation specialist. When he died of cancer this year it became necessary to either merge or expand from within: there is a minimum nucleus for a law firm. Our clients were saying it would be far better for us to merge with another firm."