Hill Dickinson drives forward growth strategy with key acquisition

International law firm Hill Dickinson has reached an agreement that will bring the commercial and wealth management practices of Matthew Arnold Baldwin to the firm.

The acquisition is expected to complete by the end of January and will see equity partners, Iain Donaldson and Mark Weston join along with several of their respective teams. They bring with them an impressive roster of notable clients from the corporate and private client sectors and will be based at Hill Dickinson’s London office from 1 February 2016.

Their arrival comes as Hill Dickinson targets growth through a combination of strategic acquisitions and key lateral hires in its business services group as well as its core sectors of health, insurance and marine. The acquisition builds on a broader programme of investment in the London office and follows a number of recent senior level hires as Hill Dickinson seeks to create a comprehensive, full-service offering in the capital.

Iain Donaldson specialises in tax advice and structuring as well as commercial,wealth protection and contract activity. Iain brings with him an extensive client base of high net-worth individuals, companies and owner-managed businesses, predominantly in the retail, entertainment and technology sectors. A former managing partner, Iain has extensive experience in providing expert advice to businesses following death or incapacity of the owners and related estate administration, including literary estates.

Mark Weston works across all areas of commercial law, intellectual property lawand information technology law. He specialises in the technology, digital media and telecommunications (TMT) sector. He has a particular interest in tech and venturetech and online business. In addition to his considerable practice, Mark regularly appears as a legal commentator on the BBC and Sky News and is the author and editor of several books. Mark is highly ranked in both the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 directories.

Iain Donaldson said: “I am excited to be joining Hill Dickinson; it is an outstanding firm with an excellent reputation and fast growing commercial practice. Both Mark and I strongly believe that the firm is the ideal home for us and more importantly for our clients. As soon as the opportunity arose, we knew Hill Dickinson would be a great fit for everyone.”

On the announcement, managing partner at Hill Dickinson, Peter Jackson commented: “I am delighted to welcome Iain, Mark and their teams to Hill Dickinson, particularly at a time of considerable strategic investment and expansion. The wealth of expertise they bring will further bolster our presence in the commercial sector and complement our existing strengths and client base. Our London office continues to go from strength to strength and now fully reflects the comprehensive full service offering our clients expect and benefit from in other parts of the business.”