Baker Tilly congratulates Slater & Gordon

Baker Tilly congratulates its client, Slater & Gordon, on its successful move into the UK market.

George Bull, Head of the Professional Practices Group at Baker Tilly comments:
“This is a ground-breaking development for the legal profession. Having successfully pioneered the world’s first listed law firm, balancing their obligations to the Courts and regulators, clients and investors, Slater & Gordon’s entry into the legal marketplace in England and Wales through its acquisition of established law firm Russell Jones & Walker is another important milestone for the company.”

Australian law firm Slater & Gordon became the first law firm in the world to go public when it floated in 2007.

Leading the field once more, Slater & Gordon announced on 30 January 2012 that they have agreed the deal worth £58.3 million to acquire UK firm, Russell Jones & Walker (RJW). Baker Tilly acted for Slater & Gordon on this occasion.

Mr Bull explains:
“One of the challenges of the transaction was to identify and successfully implement a structure which will enable our clients to register as an alternative business structure regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority while simultaneously facilitating the continuing provision of excellent client services and satisfying the reporting requirements of the Australian Stock Exchange.”

Tony Pierre, partner and London Head of Transaction Services at Baker Tilly said:
“We were delighted to be able to assist Slater & Gordon with their first UK acquisition. Slater & Gordon are a longstanding client of our Australian firm where we worked on their IPO and subsequent acquisitions and are also their auditors. Our corporate finance team has a wealth of experience in the professional practice sector having provided M&A advice and due diligence services to numerous professional practices.”