Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Essex-based law firm, Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG), and private equity firm, Blixt Group.

FJG is a multi-award-winning firm of solicitors covering a broad spectrum of fields such as residential conveyancing, family law, probate, and immigration and asylum, as well as some niche specialisms. The company operates from four offices across Essex and one in London, employs 158 staff and has a £7.3m turnover.

Blixt is a private investment firm partnering with lower mid-market companies across Europe. Headquartered in London, the company targets businesses valued between €20m and €200m and has access to over €250m of committed institutional investor funding. Blixt is aiming to invest nationally in the legal sector with the goal of creating a national firm with a turnover of at least £100m in four to five years, and FJG is a springboard for these acquisitions.

FJG had gone out to market with an eye to succession and received a significant amount of interest from both investors and other law firms. FJG opted for Blixt, which has taken a majority share in 23-partner FJG, although the eight equity partners have all retained small stakes and will remain with the firm. Senior partner Tony Fisher is becoming chief executive officer and managing partner Paula Cameron chief operations officer.

Mr Fisher commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the firm to continue its growth path and provide opportunities to other firms to be part of a national network.

“We will stick with our key values of integrity, respect and expertise, and with the support of Blixt we want to continue to be known as a great place to work.”

Blixt chief executive Carl Harring said: “We were immediately impressed by the quality of the firm and its commitment to innovation and progress alongside excellent client service.

“We are looking forward to help build a strong national group supported by best-in-class technology and process flow.”

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL

Benchmark International’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $7B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from 14 offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

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