Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has acquired The Specialist Law Group for an undisclosed sum, marking its second major investment in 2026.
The deal brings the firm, an employment law specialist led by founder and managing director Helen Moore, into the fast-growing Adeptio Law Group family.
The acquisition will see Worcester-based SLG’s brands, which include The Employment Solicitor and The Company Solicitor, continue to trade under their existing names.
FBC Manby Bowdler is the founding firm of Adeptio, which was launched following a £30m private equity investment by Horizon Capital in 2024.
Neil Lloyd, chief executive of Adeptio Law Group and FBC Manby Bowdler, said: “The Specialist Law Group is a brilliant firm. Helen and her team have built an impressive business working with well-known names, a loyal client base and bring with them a track record of delivering exceptional results.
“This investment significantly strengthens our employment law offering at exactly the right time. We’re adding strength and depth to our teams across Birmingham, the West Midlands and Shropshire just as the Employment Rights Act is creating real demand from businesses across the region and beyond.
“It also gives us a base in Worcester from which we plan to build a much broader range of services — bringing FBC Manby Bowdler’s expertise in areas such as commercial property, family law and private client work to SLG clients and a new geography. We are delighted to welcome Helen and the whole team.”
SLG managing director Helen Moore, who will remain at the helm of the firm, said the investment was an exciting next step for the business and her “passionate” team.
“The Employment Solicitor was founded with the sole aim to do things differently for clients, to transform lives for the better by solving workplace problems strategically with a human touch.
“A decade later, we have successfully delivered on this promise to ourselves and our clients – becoming a modern day law firm with an impeccable reputation for delivering employment law services throughout the UK.”
Helen said she was not originally looking to sell her business, but was attracted by the friendliness and professionalism of the FBC Manby Bowdler team and the level of support on offer.
“It’s a great solution for a small business with high ambitions. I know this is a real investment in SLG’s future and is building on a genuine commitment to develop what we have created, for our team and our clients.
“Being part of a larger group gives us access to greater resources and investment in technology, which means we can reach more clients and deliver even better services.
“Our brands, our people and our values remain exactly the same. This is about growth and opportunity and we are incredibly passionate and excited to be part of the Adeptio expansion.”
The acquisition is the latest step in Adeptio Law Group’s growth strategy, which combines organic expansion with the targeted acquisition of high-quality regional firms.
In March, Black Country practice Jordans Solicitors was welcomed into the Adeptio family, adding offices in Blackheath and Halesowen and a team of 30 to the group.
Backed by Horizon Capital’s £30m investment, Adeptio is focused on building a diverse group of regional practices across the Midlands and beyond, underpinned by shared expertise, investment in technology and a people-first approach.
Adeptio is actively looking to invest in further firms across the region and welcomes approaches from practices seeking a long-term partner for growth.
