North-East merger boosts insurance and public sector practices

National firm DWF is to merge with Newcastle’s Crutes in a move expected to bolster its insurance and public sector teams.

Crutes, which has 16 partners and annual revenues of £5m, will become part of DWF on 1 January 2012.

The firm is best known for its insurance work, but also has rated commercial services and private client teams. In addition to the public sector, its key areas are healthcare, transport and technology.

The merger comes after DWF announced earlier this year that it would be entering the Newcastle market with the appointment of John Flynn as executive partner from Dickinson Dees.

Andrew Leaitherland, managing partner at DWF, said: “Crutes is a natural fit, its outstanding insurance credentials combined with its sector strengths align very clearly with our own. Our combined strengths mean we will have an enhanced offering for businesses across the North East.

“We are committed to growth and investment in the region and see it as a key area for expansion over the next few years. The North East is a dynamic marketplace with plenty of opportunities.”

Helen Ager, managing partner at Crutes said: “Joining forces with DWF is a significant move for us. With our strength in insurance, alongside our established services to businesses we believe DWF is an ideal match to enable us to add real weight to our offering here in the North East.”