North-east legal firm Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace (RCCW) has doubled the size of its team in Stonehaven after acquiring a long-established local firm of solicitors and estate agents.
The deal sees Connons of Stonehaven, which has 10 employees, moving its business to RCCW’s offices at 1 Market Buildings.
Aberdeen-based RCCW said Naomi Mearns, partner and Stonehaven branch principal at the firm, would be working closely with Connons associate solicitor Scott Rennie to “spearhead the project and enable a smooth transition”.
It added: “Scott will continue to support clients in his new role as part of the RCCW team.”
Last year, RCCW acquired Ellon firm Winchesters Solicitors.
RCCW managing partner Keith Allan said yesterday the group’s new acquisition and the earlier Winchesters deal were part of an “overarching” growth strategy.
Mr Allan added: “We are one of the oldest established firms serving Aberdeen and the north-east.
“Our commitment to growth in the local area is evident by the recent acquisitions of Winchesters in Ellon and now Connons in Stonehaven, which link with our overarching strategy.”
The latest acquisition – due to complete on May 30 – coincides with the retirement of Connons principal Gordon Ritchie, who founded Stonehaven Heritage Society and has produced several books on the history of the town.
Mr Ritchie said: “I am delighted about the transfer of my business as I have great faith in my colleagues at RCCW.
“We have the same local focus and strong values, and I know that our long established clients will be provided with the same high quality services they have come to expect from us.”
Connons has been around since 1905, when James Connon – the son of a local farmer – launched the business in the Market Buildings.
RCCW employs more than 150 people across branches in Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Banchory, Ellon and Inverurie.