Merger puts practice in East Midlands top three

NOTTINGHAM firm Nelsons and Derby-based Alfred Sevier & Son have merged to create one of the biggest practices in the East Midlands.

The combined practice will have 36 partners and more than 350 staff, making it the third-largest firm in the area.

A spokeswoman for Nelsons says: "The merger will strengthen our presence in Derby, specifically for personal injury work."

But she says the two companies will practise under their separate names for the time being.

Nelsons opened a Derby office two years ago. Senior partner Richard Nelson says: "This is another example of development and growth of the practice through merger, which is one of the means we will adopt in the future."

The firm says the merger will allow it to deliver a more comprehensive service and greater specialisation.

Birmingham-based Martineau Johnson's senior partner, Michael Shepherd, says: "This is indicative of the need for firms to merge to compete, unless they are small and niche specialists."

Nelsons handles matrimonial, conveyancing and probate work and also has a team of financial advisers.

Three-partner Seviers has a long-established personal injury practice covering the East Midlands.