Thring Townsend seeks tie-up for City base

Thring Townsend, which acquired the Bristol office of Laytons in December 2005, is targeting a London launch.

The ambitious Bath-based firm has drawn up a shortlist of potential acquisition or merger candidates that would fit with the firm's private client bias.

The new office, if and when it launches, will focus on commercial litigation and non-property-related family work and is expected to feature up to 10 partners and 80 staff.

Thring Townsend's revenue was up 11 per cent in 2005-06, from £12m to £13.9m. Managing partner Thomas Shepperd revealed that, at the half-year point, 2006-07's revenue was up by 25 per cent.

During 2006 Thring Townsend launched its latest three-year business plan, which includes plans to double in size and the establishment of a London practice.