Rowlands is on the takeover trail as it looks to step up a gear following a period of upheaval.

Rowlands, which has its flagship office in York Street Manchester, and a satellite branch in Swinton, is looking to acquire small practices around Greater Manchester, with a focus on commercial specialists.

News of the planned swoops came as Rowlands today unveiled a modest £200.000 rise in fee income for the year to April 30, up from £5.35m.

Joint managing partners Jon Andrews and Tony Broadley said they were delighted with progress made during their first 12 months at the helm after replacing Ron Taylor.

Senior partner Philip Belamy was replaced by Aidan Carr. Mr Broadley said Rowlands was on a stronger footing after investment in IT and marketing services, and looking to maintain its growth momentum this year.
"We are looking to acquire sole practitioners who may be working from home, and also two-to-three partner practices which can add quality to the firm," he said.

The firms roots trace back to 1886, when Theophilis Rowland established his practice in Spring gardens. Today, Rowlands has nine equity partners and 130 staff.

Article originally published in the Manchester Evening News, 17th June 2008