Wed, 22 Jul 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Orwins, the legal services portfolio company of private equity firm Aliter Capital, has acquired Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based commercial law firm Clarke Mairs. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, is the fourth investment by Orwins, following investments in Manchester-based BBS Law in 2024, London-based Carter Bond in 2025 and Reading-based Clarkslegal earlier this year.
Clarke Mairs is a full-service commercial law firm that specialises in litigation, insolvency, commercial property, company and commercial law. The company also offers personal services, including enfranchisement, residential conveyancing and private client work.
The firm has a 48-strong team, led by ten partners, and serves clients across the North East and beyond. Post-sale, the company’s current partners will remain with the firm and become shareholders in Orwins.
The acquisition sees Clarke Mairs become the latest addition to the rapidly growing Orwins group. The Manchester-based group offers a full range of legal services from an expanding network of offices nationwide, targeting entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and high-growth businesses.
Dov Black, Chief Executive at Orwins, commented: “From the outset, it was clear that Clarke Mairs has deservedly earned a reputation for delivering the highest quality legal solutions across the North East and nationally. With their strong local roots and a wide range of specialist skills, they represent a valuable addition to the Orwins group and we very much look forward to working with them.”
Black stated that Orwins is seeking to at least double in size over the coming two years, targeting revenues of more than £50 million.
Greig Brown, Partner, Aliter Capital said: “Orwins is progressing at pace and with focus to create a market leader in the provision of legal services. Clarke Mairs adds a vital element to the group’s national footprint and also brings further specialist skills, including in the area of insolvency.”
According to Brown, Aliter is working closely with the Orwins team on additional investments for 2026, aiming to further expand the firm’s regional coverage across the UK, strengthen its existing offering and add complementary new services.
High levels of dealmaking are set to continue in the UK legal sector
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