Three North-east law practices have merged to create one of the region's largest firms.
Historic Aberdeen firm Burnett & Reid - which was founded in 1754 - has swallowed-up Gavin Bain & Company and Taggart Meil Mathers (TMM) to create an enlarged business employing 70 people across the city and nearby Banchory.
Its expansion coincides with its move from Queens Road into refurbished offices at 1 Albyn Place. The group will also retain Gavin Bain's prominent property shop on Union Street, and the Burnett & Reid office on Banchory.
Burnett & Reid said it was now a more “formidable force in the legal landscape of the North-east of Scotland”.
Colin Bremner - one of six 'Members' in enlarged firm - said: “We are excited about the opportunities this merger presents.
“As a collective of legal firms based in the city, we all have the same goal in our commitment to provide our clients with the highest quality advice and assistance.
“We believe this merger will bring about numerous benefits to our valued clients and open the door to new clients.
Some of the expanded team at Burnett & Reid
“With a larger team of professionals and expanded resources, we will be able to offer a wider range of expert legal and land management advice to people, businesses and other organisations across the North-east.”
New senior team
The merged businesses have six “members”, including Burnett & Reid's existing trio of Mr Bremner, William Robertson and James Herbertson. They are joined by former Gavin Bain partners Neil Johnson, Graham Morrison and John Hardie.
TMM had three partners, Ross Taggart, Judith Meil and Frank Mathers who are all now directors of Burnett & Reid.
Of the three other people who were partners in Gavin Bain, managing partner Gavin Bain and Stephen Glennie are now consultants with B&R, and Angela Bruce has retired.
Mr Johnston, previously of Gavin Bain, said: “The merger is not just about strength in numbers but about bringing expanded services to our clients.
“We see ourselves as compatible organisations who will combine seamlessly, with a clear communication plan for the coming months that will ensure we continue to provide top-class services to clients old and new. We are very much looking forward to the future.”
Mr Mathers, formerly of TMM, said: “We support people at some of the most stressful moments in their lives, whether that’s purchasing or selling a home, setting up a new business, having to navigate any relationship breakdown or dealing with the winding up of an estate of a loved one who has passed away.
“Some of these moments are happy, but some are also extremely trying and difficult.
“We will remain a trusted legal partner, with a local presence and look forward to a new outlook as a part of a larger team.”