Two out of three firms approached by private equity investors

Seventy percent of mid-sized law firms have been approached by private investors in the past year, according to research published today. The report, by accountants MHA in conjunction with the Law Society, is based on a survey of the leaders of over 60 mid-sized law firms in England and Wales.

According to the report, 2025 saw a shift in the legal and wider professional services landscape with PE investors taking more interest than ever before. Almost 70% of firms said they had been in contact with PE investors or another PE-backed firm. Nearly a quarter of firms also said they were actively considering a public share offering.

The survey findings highlight a noteworthy shift in corporate activity, with a clear move away from mergers towards acquisitions that could potentially be funded by PE investment. This change is evident in the responses, with only 3% of firms planning to engage in merger activity in the next 12 months. However, 17% are planning to make acquisitions in the next year.