LONDON: Knights Group, the national legal and professional services business, announced it has agreed to acquire THP Solicitors Limited (“THP”), a law firm operating in the Thames Valley.
The acquisition represents a compelling bolt-on following Knights’ recent expansion in the region with its acquisition of IBB Law in 2025, further increasing the Group’s scale in this affluent and growing market.
Acquisition rationale and background
THP has served the Thames Valley region for more than 35 years, originally as The Head Partnership, and it was acquired by its current owners approximately 16 years ago. Since that time, it has developed a strong reputation for delivering legal services across a range of practice areas, with particular strengths in Private Wealth, Family and Real Estate.
The business currently operates from Reading and Henley and, following completion, Knights intends to bring all of THP’s colleagues together with Knights colleagues in its recently refurbished Reading office. THP’s current office locations will be vacated. The move is expected to make full use of Knights’ existing office space in Reading and support quick and effective integration.
THP has a strong fit with Knights’ existing services and operating model. Its Private Wealth, Family and Real Estate practices will strengthen Knights’ full service offering in Reading, which to date has been weighted towards Business Services, broadening the range of services available to clients across the region.
The acquisition will add approximately 30 fee earners, further increasing Knights’ scale in the Thames Valley region and expanding its ability to serve both business and private clients in one of the UK’s most attractive regional markets.
Terms of the acquisition
Under the terms of the acquisition, Knights will acquire THP for a total consideration of £4m on a cash- and debt-free basis, subject to working-capital adjustments.
The consideration comprises an initial cash payment of £2.4m on completion with the remaining consideration being payable in equal instalments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries, subject to certain conditions being met.
The cash consideration will be satisfied from Knights’ existing banking facilities. Completion is expected to take place on 25 September 2026.
Commenting on the acquisition, David Beech, CEO of Knights, said: “We are delighted to welcome the THP team to Knights. Following our expansion into the Thames Valley last year through the acquisition of IBB Law, THP represents a compelling bolt-on opportunity that further increases our scale in an attractive and growing market.
“THP’s expertise will strengthen our capabilities, broadening our full-service offering for clients across the region, whilst leveraging our premium Reading office and our recent investment there.
“The business has a strong cultural fit, and we are confident that combining its talented team with our scale and infrastructure will provide a strong foundation for future growth.”
Rachel Gaylor of THP Solicitors Limited, commented: “We are very pleased to be joining Knights. Having built a strong local reputation and client base, becoming part of Knights will provide the platform that we need for the next stage of our growth.
“Our clients will benefit from access to a broader range of services and expertise, while our colleagues will have greater opportunities as part of a larger national business with scale and resource. We look forward to working with the team to realise the significant growth potential we see in the Thames Valley region.”
