City law firm in merger deal

11:19am Wednesday 3rd September 2008

Oxford's oldest law firm has merged with a Bath-based practice as it looks to boost its business.

Marshall & Galpin, will now be known as Withy King after the move which has also led to six redundancies at the firm's offices in the city's New Inn Hall Street, Abingdon and Thame.

Managing partner Stephen Woods said: "We took the view that it would be better to be part of a regional practice.

"The best parts from each practice have been brought together to create a much better law firm for the benefit of clients and staff."

The combined business will now employ 340 people, 90 of them in Oxfordshire and Mr Woods said he would not be following rival firms such as Henmans by moving out of Oxford city centre.

The merger will mean Marshall & Galpin can expand its commercial practice and provide advice in specialist sectors such as agriculture and rural property, the care homes sector, racing and bloodstock, technology and media and construction and property development.

Martin Powell, managing partner at Withy King, said: "We want to enhance and develop Marshall & Galpin.

"Today it is difficult to work as a small firm or a sole practitioner with increasing amounts of regulation but we have an established infrastructure."

Marshall and Galpin, established in 1782, is now contacting more than 50,000 clients about the merger.

Withy King has offices in Bath, Swindon, London, Marlborough and Trowbridge.