DWF advised leading commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton on its acquisition of the Edward Symmons Group (ES group).

ES Group is a 260-strong, consultancy-led business with a major presence in many UK regions.  The firm is a market leader in providing valuation and corporate recovery advice to banks and accountancy firms and is also at the forefront of the fast-growing alternatives market, particularly in hotels, healthcare and education.

The DWF team, led by Leeds corporate partner Lester Wilson (which included Louise Parker, Richard Outhwaite and Rob Riley), advised Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) on the significant investment, which will further strengthen its offering - bringing key banking and insolvency expertise to the expanding business.

Lambert Smith Hampton is a national commercial property consultancy that works with investors, developers and occupiers across the UK. Today’s deal follows the acquisition of Northern Irish BTW Shiels in June last year (on which DWF also advised), and builds on the long term strategic growth plans for the business.

Lester Wilson, commenting on the deal, said: “Lambert Smith Hampton is an ambitious fast moving business that is looking to grow in key areas, and we were pleased to work alongside the team on this important strategic acquisition.”

Ezra Nahome, CEO of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We are on a mission to build the nation's most progressive commercial property agency, and are investing in areas where we believe we can add value for our clients.  Bringing ES Group into the Lambert Smith Hampton fold is aligned with this objective, enabling us to enter important markets and fast track our investment in priority services.”