National commercial law firm, Beachcroft LLP, today announced that it is to open an office in Newport, South Wales, taking over 109 staff and the entire defendant insurance business of Kingslegal.

The assets of Kingslegal will be purchased by 'B2 from Beachcroft', a limited company wholly owned by Beachcroft LLP and regulated by the SRA.

Nathan Butcher, Partner at Beachcroft and Managing Director of the new venture, says: "The injury claims market is one of our key strengths but it remains hugely competitive. B2 from Beachcroft will support sustainable growth of our core injury business.

"The intention is to grow this centre over time. The existence of a lower cost base in South Wales will enable us to respond immediately to clients' needs. This move will, therefore, deliver operational, reputational and strategic benefits and is consistent with our sector and client strategy."

Commenting on the latest development, Beachcroft's Senior Partner, Simon Hodson said: "This is another example of Beachcroft's strategic vision for growth, not only nationally, but in our key market sectors. Within the insurance industry, clients come to us for strategic counsel and transaction support on all aspects of financial products and services. We provide litigation and claims handling services to some of the biggest insurers in the country."

The defendant insurance team at Kingslegal will transfer to the new company. Client files will transfer and continue to be serviced by the same teams.

This is the third new office that Beachcroft has opened in the last year. In November 2008, the firm took over Eversheds' clinical negligence teams in Leeds and Newcastle and opened a new office in Newcastle. In March 2009, the firm set up a base in Dublin initially specialising in professional indemnity and personal injury, but developing wider insurance and health work. At the same time, it announced a joint venture in India and a network of Best Friends across mainland Europe.

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For further comment, please contact: Stuart Lambert on 020 7894 6655 or by e-mail at pressoffice@beachcroft.co.uk

Publication Date: 05 May 2009