HF expands into healthcare and charity law through the Hempsons acquisition deal
Hempsons is set to join HF after agreeing to an acquisition deal, subject to approval from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The transaction marks a significant expansion for HF, which specialises in insurance and commercial legal services and employs more than 1,000 people across offices in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Under the agreement, HF will expand its presence in the health, social care, and charity law sectors through the addition of Hempsons’ specialist practice areas and client base.
The firms said the acquisition forms part of HF’s broader growth strategy, aimed at developing new specialisms while strengthening existing services. Hempsons stated that joining HF would allow it to maintain its focus on healthcare, social care, and charity law while benefiting from additional investment in innovation, technology, and operational support.
The firms confirmed that integration plans will be overseen through the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) process, commonly known as TUPE. Joint leadership teams will manage the integration of offices, systems and central services, alongside the expansion of legal service offerings. Ronan McCann described the acquisition as a strategic move that broadens HF’s sector expertise and strengthens its legal offering.
He said the transaction would allow HF to expand into new sectors and enhance its capabilities in areas where it already operates. McCann also stated that the addition of Hempsons’ specialist lawyers would support future growth across the combined business. Graham Lea said the acquisition would create new opportunities for both firms and their clients.
He stated that Hempsons would continue working with clients in the same manner while gaining access to HF’s technology-led legal services and wider expertise across additional practice areas. HF currently operates from 12 cities across the UK and Ireland and has focused in recent years on expanding both geographically and across legal sectors.
The firms said clients would continue to receive ongoing legal support during the transition process, with an emphasis on maintaining service continuity. No financial details relating to the acquisition were disclosed. The deal remains subject to regulatory approval before completion can proceed.