Blackadders announces merger with Aberdeen firm

Blackadders managing partner, Johnston Clark

The merger underpins Blackadders’ ongoing growth strategy and will result in the firm increasing its talent pool to 28 partners and more than 230 staff.

Partners at Plenderleath Runcie - John Plenderleath, Colin Runcie and Neil Robb - will become partners with Blackadders under the merger which is set to be complete in April, 2019, and will see both companies trading under the Blackadders banner. 

Plenderleath Runcie has particular expertise in the fields of corporate law, commercial property and private client. The firm offers a full-service capability for business and private clients, acting for thousands of private individuals and several national ‘household name’ businesses and charities.

Johnston Clark, managing partner at Blackadders, said: “Plenderleath Runcie is a highly-respected law firm in Aberdeen and brings considerable expertise and a well-established track record.

“The merger underpins Blackadders’ investment in people and our business infrastructure to reinforce our position for continued, strategic growth. By joining forces with Plenderleath Runcie, Blackadders will have a stronger presence in the North-east and further increase the strength and depth of our client service. We look forward to welcoming the team on board and working with them and enhancing our services to clients.” 

Mr Clark said that the merger with Plenderleath Runcie was motivated by a desire to service its existing client base as well as develop new business in the North-east.

John Plenderleath said: “There is a clear fit between our cultures. We share the same vision as Blackadders’ partners of the highest quality of advice and service to our clients. The merger also allows us to provide a wider range of services to our existing and future clients, who we would normally have to refer on to others if we did not have the relevant expertise or resources in-house. Consolidating our business with Blackadders gives us the ability to provide our clients with the complete legal service.”

This latest move follows the recent merger between Blackadders and Glasgow-based practice, Boyle Shaughnessy.

Blackadders, which currently employs a total of more than 200 people including 25 Partners, has offices in Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Forfar and Arbroath.