The Birmingham office of Cobbetts LLP has advised on a deal that saw personal injury specialist law firms Rowley Ashworth join with Thompsons Solicitors on 1 May 2009.

Cobbetts acted on behalf of Rowley Ashworth, which serviced its clients from eight offices across the UK. Rowley Ashworth worked with trade unions, including GMB, and Unite, on personal injury claims and employment law issues for its members.

Thompsons Solicitors works for the majority of the trade unions in the country. It operated from 23 offices across England and Wales, in addition to associated offices in Northern Ireland and Scotland. 

The deal makes Thompsons Solicitors, as the new firm is now known, one of the largest personal injury and trade union specialist practices in the UK.

Rowley Ashworth managing partner Keith Roberts, commented: "Together we represent the majority of the 6.5   million trade union members across the UK. By uniting the expertise of both  firms we are creating a formidable force in the legal profession that is committed to championing the rights of trade union members."

Corporate partner, Graham Muth, and associate, Darren Walker, led the advisory team at Cobbetts.

Graham Muth said: “Rowley Ashworth and Thompsons have similar values and work areas, which makes this deal a natural progression for each firm.”

David White, partner at Grant Thornton in Birmingham provided financial advice to Rowley Ashworth, while Antoinette Jucker at Pinsent Masons and Deloitte in London acted on behalf of Thompsons.

Picture caption: Graham Muth, Cobbetts