Newly formed private equity backed legal services firm Orwins has announced its latest acquisition, with Newcastle-based Clarke Mairs joining the group.
Formed earlier this year and backed by Scottish PE firm Aliter Capital, Orwins was formed from the acquisitions of Manchester-based BBS Law (acquired by Aliter Capital in October 2024), London-based Carter Bond (acquired August 2025) and Clarkslegal, a nine-partner Reading practice with a team of 40 acquired in June. Between the three, the firm boasted a headcount of 150 and a combined revenue of £23 million.
Clarke Mairs in Newcastle upon Tyne is the latest acquisition, bringing the full-service commercial law firm specialising in litigation, insolvency, commercial property, company and commercial law and private client under the Orwins banner. The move takes the total headcount to almost 200, and combined revenues of £28 million. The firm says it aims to double in size over the next two years, targeting revenues of over £50 million.
Dov Black, chief executive, Orwins, said: “From the outset, it was clear that Clarke Mairs has deservedly earned a reputation for delivering the highest quality legal solutions across the North East and nationally. With their strong local roots and a wide range of specialist skills, they represent a valuable addition to the Orwins group, and we very much look forward to working with them.”
Paul Rushworth, partner, Clarke Mairs said: “At Clarke Mairs, we have always focused on a client centred approach, building an expert team to deliver high quality practical legal solutions that exceed expectations. In Orwins we have found a like-minded partner with an identical ethos, and we are excited for our staff and clients about the journey ahead as part of the group.”
The current partners at Clarke Mairs are remaining with the firm and will become shareholders in Orwins.
