FBC Manby Bowdler buys employment law specialist SLG in second 2026 deal
What's the deal? Midlands law firm FBC Manby BowdlerDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has acquired The Specialist Law Group (SLG) for an undisclosed sum, its second major investment in 2026. The deal brings SLG, a Worcester-based employment law specialist led by founder Helen Moore, into the Adeptio Law Group. SLG's brands, including The Employment Solicitor and The Company Solicitor, will keep trading under their existing names.
What's the endgame? FBC Manby Bowdler is the founding firm of Adeptio, launched after a £30m private equity investment by Horizon CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → in 2024. The group combines organic growth with targeted acquisitions of regional firms, aiming to build a network across the Midlands and beyond. It says it is actively seeking further firms and welcomes approaches from practices seeking a growth partner.
Why now? Neil Lloyd, chief executive of Adeptio and FBC Manby Bowdler, said the deal strengthens the firm's employment offering "at exactly the right time," pointing to demand created by the Employment Rights Act. Moore, who remains at the helm, said she was not originally looking to sell but was drawn by the support on offer.
What's the expansion? The acquisition also gives FBC Manby Bowdler a base in Worcester — a new geography. Lloyd said the firm plans to build a broader range of services there, bringing its expertise in commercial property, family law, and private client work to SLG clients.
What changes for clients? Moore said the business gains access to greater resources and technology investment. "Our brands, our people and our values remain exactly the same," she said.
The signal: The deal fits a wider consolidation of regional UK law firms under private-equity backing. In March, Adeptio absorbed Black Country practice Jordans Solicitors, adding offices in Blackheath and Halesowen and a team of 30 — a pattern of steady, targeted regional roll-up funded by Horizon Capital's £30m.
Read more: westmidlands.news
