Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (WJM) is acquiring commercial law firm Davidson Chalmers Stewart as consolidation in the legal sector continues.

The move follows investment in WJM from Irwin Mitchell and marks a major step in its strategic plan for growth in Scotland.

The deal will see Davidson Chalmers Stewart’s 70+ staff transfer to WJM, combining their activities in corporate, real estate and commercial dispute resolution.

The newly-combined firm will operate under the Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie brand from the summer and will have a headcount of more than 200, including 46 partners working across five locations (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Dunblane and Galashiels).

They will be supported by the Irwin Mitchell team in Scotland, England and Wales and by ties through international law firm networks.

Fraser Gillies, managing partner of Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, said: “This deal adds significant strength to our corporate, real estate and commercial dispute resolution teams as well as bolstering our renewables expertise which is a key area for our business.

“We’ve long admired Davidson Chalmers Stewart’s business and the reputation it has built in similar markets to those in which we operate and culturally our firms are a great fit.”

Mark Higgins, WJM chair, and managing partner of Irwin Mitchell Scotland, added: “Irwin Mitchell began its expansion programme in Scotland by completing a deal to invest in WJM in January last year, and has grown its Scottish team with several new recruits across the year.

“We are looking forward to further increasing our market share across a full suite of legal services.”

Andrew Chalmers, chair of Davidson Chalmers Stewart, said: “Joining Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie and the wider Irwin Mitchell Group will now allow us to offer enhanced service lines for our valued clients.”