BURY-based law firm Butcher and Barlow LLP continues to expand after joining forces with Hough and Co Solicitors.

And the move makes it one of the top 20 largest commercial practices in the North West and one of the leading 200 in the UK with 20 partners and a total of 109 staff. The combined practice will operate under the Butcher and Barlow LLP banner.

Hough and Co has offices in Frodsham and Runcorn in Cheshire. The expanded practice will continue to provide comprehensive and proactive services in the principal legal areas of commercial law, conveyancing, family law, litigation, wills and probate.

Charles Barlow, senior partner at Butcher and Barlow, said: “Although we pride ourselves on being a local family business and an established part of the local communities we serve, we also have the experience and expertise to handle any legal challenge.

“That combination of skills offers our clients huge benefits in service, time and costs.”