Thrings has merged with Okells FrancisLaw in a move that strengthens its geographic reach and brings together leading specialists in agriculture and private client law.

The strategic move brings Wye Valley-based Okells FrancisLaw’s teams in Ross-On-Wye and Lydney into Thrings, adding to its existing offices in Bath, Bristol, Swindon, London and Romsey.

Thrings clients will benefit from the firm’s increased presence on the Welsh borders and the expertise of Okells FrancisLaw’s agriculture and private client lawyers, building on Thrings’ reputation as a national leader in these specialisms.

Meanwhile, Okells FrancisLaw clients gain access to the wider Thrings firm’s expertise in a broad range of legal services including planning, litigation, and corporate and commercial law.

Simon Holdsworth, Managing Partner, Thrings, said: “The coming together of our two firms is a perfect fit strategically and geographically. It joins two practices with similar specialisms and a shared commitment to providing outstanding client service built upon sector expertise, a commitment to outstanding service, and strong relationships.

“As Thrings continues to grow its national presence, we are excited to see the benefits this will bring farmers, landowners, rural businesses and private individuals in the Wye Valley and Welsh borders, who will continue to be served by the specialists at Okells FrancisLaw with the added benefit of access to the full range of services we are proud to provide.”

Andrew Morris, Senior Partner at Okells FrancisLaw, said: “Our firm has a long history and heritage in the Wye Valley and a tradition of serving agriculture and rural economy businesses, the owners of those business and the people and communities who live and work in the region.

“This merger enables our team to continue to nurture and grow the strong relationships we enjoy with our clients and referrers while strengthening the depth of our offering to the region, giving us greater resilience and creating opportunities for growth. We look forward to continuing to offer our clients the service and local knowledge they value, complemented by the range of specialisms and expertise offered by the wider Thrings firm.”

Okells FrancisLaw was established in 1904 by George Okell and has offices in Ross-on-Wye and Lydney. As well as agriculture and private client services it offers a range of practice areas including employment law and conveyancing.

Thrings is recognised as a top-tier law firm by independent legal directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. The firm has 42 partners and more than 250 staff, working across five regional offices with sector specialism in agriculture, banking and finance, development of land, business growth and private client.