Deal sees a 15-strong team with significant specialisms in the recruitment sector join Brabners’ Manchester office

Liverpool law firm Brabners has acquired Manchester-based HRC Law for an undisclosed sum.

The deal sees a 15-strong team with significant specialisms in the recruitment sector join Brabners’ Manchester office. HRC Law founder Simon Whitehead returns to Brabners as a senior equity partner having successfully built the HRC practice over the last six years.

Mr Whitehead spent eight years at Brabners between 2003 and 2011, latterly as a partner. HRC Law acts for a large number of employers and has built a strong specialism in the recruitment sector, acting for many trade organisations such as TEAM, Powerhive and the FCSA as well as recruitment businesses nationwide. 

The acquisition is the latest development in a period of significant growth for Brabners as part of the strategic change programme being led by chief executive Robert White and managing partner Nik White.

“HRC Law has achieved impressive growth from a standing start so we are very optimistic about our potential as a combined force,” said Nik White. “Having worked closely with Simon in the past, this acquisition is a perfect cultural fit for both practices.

“The specialist knowledge within HRC will complement our existing practice and enhance the breadth of services we can offer to clients, both existing and new. 

Mr Whitehead added: “We have developed an exceptional client base over the last six years, building partnerships with clients who value our specific legal expertise along with the supportive, entrepreneurial culture that has set us apart from other firms.

“There’s a huge opportunity within the recruitment sector as it faces challenges and opportunities from changes such as the Good Work Plan, workforce challenges from Brexit and the extension of IR35.”

HRC Law’s employees have relocated from the firm’s base on Exchange Street to Brabners’ Manchester office on King Street.