We are delighted to announce that Watson Ramsbottom has acquired Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes Solicitors, a long established and highly regarded practice with offices in Clitheroe and Barnoldswick in East Lancashire.

Following recent expansion into Yorkshire, Chorley and Cumbria, the acquisition of Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes sees Watson Ramsbottom Ltd solidify their East Lancashire roots, and sees them for the first time hold offices in the Ribble Valley and Pendle areas.

Following the acquisition, Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes will retain its name. Their long established offices at Castlegate in Clitheroe and at Fernlea Avenue in Barnoldswick, where they have been based for the best part of a century, will continue to operate as Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes, and all staff are to be retained, with former managing partner Keith Bagot and senior partner John Taylor joining Watson Ramsbottom as Consultant Solicitors to help grow the services offered.

Managing Director Elton Ashworth said

“We’re delighted to have been able to make this acquisition. It has been an ambition of the practice to move into the Ribble Valley for many, many years, and we are delighted to have identified an opportunity to do this and to bring Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes Solicitors into the Watson Ramsbottom family from 1st April 2022.

“The acquisition allows us to expand and progress the practice’s growth plan whilst improving on the level of service we provide to our existing clients.

“At the same time, clients can still expect the same dedicated, accomplished, experienced service and local knowledge that has been at the heart of Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes’ offering, but as part of the Watson Ramsbottom family, the capacity and level of experience they now have to draw on across any legal issue is second to none.”

Keith Bagot added

‘This is an exciting development for everyone at Steele & Son with Bagot Heyes.   Watson Ramsbottom are a practice that share our values.  They are forward looking with both an excellent reputation and long established links to the Ribble Valley. 

The move will ensure the continuity of our high levels of service whilst enabling us to call on the experience and capacity of Watson Ramsbottom to enhance further our offering to the people of the Ribble Valley, Pendle and beyond.

We are looking forward to developing the strengths of each party across a wider network.’