Nelsons, part of Lawfront, the fast-growing legal services group, has made a bold start to the new year by acquiring Burton upon Trent-based Else Solicitors.

Founded in 2003 by managing partner Chris Else, the firm has developed a strong reputation for commercial litigation, as well as commercial property and private client services, including wills and probate. Else Solicitors has grown in prominence to cover Burton, Derby and Birmingham – as well as supporting national and international clients.

Tim Hastings, chairman at Nelsons, said: “Else Solicitors is a well-respected firm that has built an impressive reputation in Burton and beyond, so we are pleased to welcome Chris and the team. 

“Through this acquisition we are able to bolster our commercial litigation practice, offering specialist knowledge for both new and existing clients. We are keen to build on the reputation they have established to further enhance our East Midlands offering. We are looking forward to the new opportunities this may bring.”

Speaking on the acquisition, Chris Else said: “We have built a team of highly skilled lawyers, all providing a responsive and first-class service, working to deliver our clients’ goals and objectives. I want to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base, however I feel I have taken the firm as far as I can on my own.   

“An opportunity presented to become part of Nelsons, which has a strong emphasis on building long-term relationships, so there is an immediate sharing of values. Joining forces enables our clients and employees to benefit from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.”

Neil Lloyd, Lawfront CEO, said: “It is great to see Nelsons complete its third acquisition since joining Lawfront. We back our regional firms to accelerate their growth ambitions.  Acquisitions such as this are a positive demonstration of our commitment to invest in our firms. We are proud to welcome the Else Solicitors’ team into Nelsons and look forward to watching the team grow and develop.”

Clients of Else Solicitors with current matters will be notified and any archived files, wills or deeds will be transferred to Nelsons for safekeeping.