Private equity-backed Canford Law has made its second major acquisition in a fortnight, doubling its national headcount to nearly 300 people. The Rotherham-based firm bought Lemonaid Motor Legal, a provider of white-label first notification of loss services, following a deal last month for the property services business PDC Group.
Growth through acquisitions
With Lemonaid adding 72 staff and PDC contributing 78 workers, Canford now employs 290 people. The company, best known for credit hire work, also handles commercial litigation and housing disrepair claims. Founder David Nash sold a majority stake to Queen’s Park Equity (QPE) in January, aiming to accelerate growth.
Lemonaid will keep its brand and management, including managing director Luke Baker. The business triages claims and works with a panel of service providers across credit hire, repairs, recovery, storage, salvage, and personal injury. The deal gives Canford a proprietary pipeline of credit hire litigation and a base of broker relationships.
Mr Nash stated that Luke and his colleagues have established a robust business with solid connections to brokers and a notable service reputation. Lemonaid’s involvement in the early stages of motor claims complements Canford Group’s existing legal and litigation strengths, offering a chance to deliver a more integrated service throughout a claim’s duration and opening a new avenue for the organization.
Mr Baker noted that Canford Group’s capabilities will help the team stay closely aligned with the entire client experience, ranging from the initial collision to legal representation and the recoupment of losses. This represents a key advancement for Lemonaid, its staff, and, above all, its clients and partners.
Strategic expansion
Alex McRae, an investor at QPE and a speaker at the Claims Futures conference next month, noted that Lemonaid is the second acquisition for Canford Group in quick succession. He described it as a clear demonstration of the pace at which the platform is building. It is another great example of the value-accretive bolt-ons set out to deliver when partnering with David Nash and his team.
Other deals in the sector
Bolton-based Russell & Russell Solicitors has moved into Yorkshire through the purchase of 21-strong Wrigley Claydon, an Oldham firm dating back to 1795 with an additional branch in Todmorden. The combined entity now operates 10 locations across Chester, Greater Manchester, and Yorkshire, employing roughly 215 partners and staff. Managing partner Jane Penman indicated the acquisition will drive growth while maintaining top-tier client service and create more career paths for employees.
Redkite Solicitors has taken over CLA Trust & Legacy Planning, a compact Cardiff-based private client practice. This follows the recent inclusion of Penarth-based Alan Simons & Co. The acquisition grants Redkite expertise in trusts, estates, and succession planning, as outlined in a declaration. Helen Downes, CLA director, assumes leadership of private wealth and succession planning. Redkite CEO Neil Walker attributed rising demand for trust and legacy services among private clients and noted the firm previously lacked internal capacity to handle all such work.
Lightfoots Solicitors has increased its Thame office capacity through the acquisition of Rachel Stafford Legal Services. Ms Stafford, who launched the firm in 2015, is retiring, with colleague Carol Barnes joining Lightfoots’ wills and probate division. Managing partner Joe Middleton said: “Rachel built her business the way this firm was built, on people telling their neighbours they were well looked after. She could have sold to anyone. That Rachel wanted her clients to stay in Thame, with a firm that will still be here for their children, says a great deal about her character and we intend to live up to it.”
