Knights eyes new horizons after earnings boost

A national professional services firm has pledged to continue targeting takeovers after market moves helped boost earnings. 

Knights says it is “selectively pursuing value enhancing acquisitions” following a year of “step changes” that laid foundations to drive revenue and profit higher. 

Bosses say the operator has “an encouraging pipeline of opportunities under consideration”, which would build on headline multi-million-pound moves for Thursfields Legal and IBB Law.

They unveiled the blueprint after latest figures showed the firm booked an eight per cent increase in revenue to £162 million in the year to April 30, with underlying pre-tax profit 11 per cent higher at £28 million.

Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation at the firm – whose UK-wide office portfolio includes sites in Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham and Oxford – was 11 per cent better off at £42.9 million.

David Beech, chief executive at Knights – which also recently wrapped up deals to buy Essex-based Birkett Long and Kent and Sussex’s Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP – said it is “well-positioned to seize opportunities”.

He said: “Our proven strategy continues to deliver, despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges. 

“This has been a year of step changes, with progress and a strengthened leadership team embedding enhanced operational discipline – all underpinning the group’s platform for future growth. 

“We have built strong recruitment momentum and reduced churn, while advancing our acquisition strategy and continuing to win new clients.

“We expect growth in the 2026 financial year to be supported by the momentum we have seen building through attracting and retaining high-calibre professionals and clients, complemented by building on our strong acquisition track record.”

Knights’ office estate stretches across the UK, from Carlisle and Stockton-on-Tees to Leeds, Sheffield and York.

It has further bases in Brighton, Cheltenham, Chester, Leicester, Portsmouth, Stoke, Weybridge and Wilmslow.

It recently unveiled a Thames Valley expansion through a deal to take over the 12th floor of The Blade high-rise, in Reading.

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