The firm, which was established in 1888, marks 20 years of business in Aberdeen as it joins forces with AH&Co, which has offices in both Aberdeen City and Portlethen.

AH&Co has been run by Alastair Hart since the mid-1990s, and he will join the merged practice as a consultant for a short period with the merger being completed on 30 June 2024.

Scott Foster, chief operating officer of Balfour+Manson, said: “We are delighted to announce the merger with the well-known and respected North-east legal business Alastair Hart & Co. This is a terrific addition to our business and very much in line with Balfour+Manson’s growth plans.

“Alastair, who has been referring work to our Aberdeen team for some time, will initially work as a consultant to support the bedding in and transfer of his business and clients to the merged firm.”

Balfour+Manson will maintain AH&Co’s presence in Portlethen, where the firm has been operating for 25 years, mainly providing private client, residential conveyancing, and estate agency, while AH&Co’s Aberdeen office will move to Balfour+Manson’s Albyn Place office on 29 May as part of the merger.

“With a broader scope of legal disciplines available at Balfour+Manson, there are clear opportunities to offer a wider range of services to AH&Co clients in both Aberdeen and Portlethen, along with new clients of the merged business,” added Mr Foster.

Mr Hart said: “I’ve had a very enjoyable legal career. I have always been very impressed by Balfour+Manson and feel we share the same ethos.

“I therefore know my clients will continue to be in safe, experienced. and skilled hands-on completion of the merger.”

Julie Clark-Spence, partner at Balfour+Manson who heads up the Aberdeen office, said: “We are all delighted to welcome Alastair Hart & Co into the Balfour+Manson family.

“We have known Alastair for many years, and it has always been clear that his clients have benefited from a high standard of personal service and professionalism.

“We all look forward to working with Alastair to ensure a smooth handover of business and to continue providing AH&Co clients with the excellent customer service and legal expertise we are renowned for.”

The merger news follows the announcement that Amy McKay and Greg Lawson had been made partners of Balfour+Manson in Aberdeen. Ms McKay, a property specialist, and Mr Lawson, a private client lawyer, will both work closely with Mr Hart during the handover period.