A HAMPSHIRE law firm has announced a merger with a rival.

Dutton Gregory, solicitors, which has offices in Winchester and Chandler's Ford, continued with its growth plans in Bournemouth by announcing a merger with Turners solicitors, which takes effect from the end of March.

Both have offices in Poole Road in Bournemouth and Turners staff will move into the Dutton Gregory offices ahead of the Easter break.

Dutton Gregory says the deal will double the size of its corporate and commercial offering.

Andrew Tilley, managing partner of Dutton Gregory, said: “We’re delighted to have found such a great fit for growth with the partners and staff at Turners. Whenever we look at any possible merger or acquisition we look at the potential to create and add value for our clients – something I know we will achieve with our merger with Turners.”

Mike Shutler, managing partner of Turners, said: “For many years at Turners we have built strong professional relationships with our clients.

“In a changing legal market, we have not always been able to offer all of the services to those clients we would have wanted. By joining with Dutton Gregory, not only will our clients receive continuity of service, but a combined strength in the quality and diversity of services we can now offer.”

The offices of Turners will close at 5pm on Tuesday, March 27, for the move into Dutton Gregory’s offices at 3 Poole Road.