Irwins snaps up Brabys to boost London operation

TOP 20 firm Irwin Mitchell has swallowed up niche London debt collection firm Braby & Waller.

Brabys, which has 31 fee earners but only two partners, is a leading provider of debt recovery services for the building industry and professionals such as solicitors.

Irwin Mitchell managing partner Howard Culley said that the move was evidence of the firm's "pragmatic approach to mergers".

This latest acquisition, to take place on 1 May, is the fourth involving Irwin Mitchell in just over four years and will boost the number of partners in its London office to five. In late 1996, the firm merged with Birmingham practice Rigbeys.

Prior to that, Irwin Mitchell merged with Leeds firm Teeman Levine in 1995 and Sheffield firm Kershaw Tudor in 1994.

Culley said: "There is no doubt at all that Braby & Waller's experience and influence and their daily attendance in the commercial courts will be of great help to us on a national basis."

After the merger, Irwin Mitchell will close its London office and move its staff to Brabys' city premises.

Brabys' managing partner Paulene Devine said: "The merger will offer a better and wider range of services for our many blue-chip clients."