Park Nelson tie-up gives Lester Aldridge London base

Lester Aldridge is set to gain its first foothold in London after absorbing 200-year-old real estate, commercial services and private client boutique Park Nelson.

It is expected that seven of Park Nelson’s 11 partners will join Lester Aldridge, including three commercial property specialists, one private client and three commercial services partners.

Several lawyers will relocate to Lester Aldridge’s Southampton office.

Four commercial property partners are not joining the merged firm, including Park Nelson senior partner Eugene O’Keeffe, Colm Flood, Robert Galloway and Ruth Deehan.

Lester Aldridge managing partner Roger Woolley said the move was part of a strategy to remain a strong regional player with national niche practices in retail and leisure. Among Park Nelson’s current clients is retail group Dixons.

The merger will go live on 1 November, providing Lester Aldridge with offices in Bournemouth, London, Milton Keynes and Southampton.