New force in North West

Merseyside firm Mace & Jones has merged with Manchester and Cheshire-based Grundy Kershaw.

The new 19-partner firm is known as Mace & Jones Grundy Kershaw and will form one of the largest legal practices in the North West.

It will continue to practise from its existing offices in Water Street, Liverpool and Sherborne Square, Huyton, as well as from offices in Manchester and Knutsford.

Senior Partner at Maces, Barrie Marsh, who has been made senior partner of the new firm, said: "We have resisted merger proposals in the past but this merger will enable us to strengthen the depth and range of services we can offer to existing and future clients."

Tim Williams, senior partner of Grundy Kershaw said: "Both Mace & Jones and Grundy Kershaw have strengths in different areas of commercial law and it makes logical sense. We are confident that the merger will enhance our reputation and give the new firm a competitive edge to meet the needs of private and business clients."