Osborne Clarke advises IBB Law on its sale to Knights plc

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised IBB Law LLP on its sale to the UK’s largest regional legal services business, Knights plc, as it strengthens its presence in the South East.

IBB, which reported revenue of £23 million in 2024, has built a strong reputation in the Thames Valley area, with corporate, real estate and private wealth teams operating across its offices in Ascot, Beaconsfield, Reading and Uxbridge.

The merger will see 140 lawyers from IBB Law join a team of more than 1,100 professionals at Knights, complementing Knights’ offerings in nearby Newbury, Oxford and Weybridge.

The total value of the acquisition is £30 million: this comprises an initial £21 million and an additional £9m paid in three annual instalments subject to conditions. Completion is expected to take place on 4 April.

The Osborne Clarke team advising IBB Law was led by corporate Partner Rob Wood who was supported by Associate Director Lesley Olsen, Senior Associate James Robertson, Associate Chris Flach and Solicitor Apprentice Liana Lowne. Associate Director Jonny Squires advised on tax and Partner Danielle Kingdon and Associate Dan Charie on employment.

Rob, said: "We are delighted to have advised the partners of IBB on the sale of their firm, IBB Law, to Knights plc. This was a very interesting and collaborative project, close to our hearts as fellow legal professionals operating in the regional Thames Valley market for clients on our doorstep and beyond."

“We were delighted to have been represented by Rob, Lesley and their professional team. They did an excellent job in a very tight time frame, working with pragmatic efficiency. I would have no hesitation in recommending Osborne Clarke - they are top notch!” 

Joanna DeBiase, Managing Partner at IBB Law

Osborne Clarke’s Corporate team is considered a go-to practice for many companies in the professional services sector, working with clients ranging from global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.