TEESSIDE firm Archers Law has acquired a rival firm to help make inroads into North Yorkshire.

Archers has announced that Sheffield French Solicitors, based in Stokesley, will be added to the business.

The Middlesbrough company has paid an undisclosed fee for Sheffield French, but said it will help the business permeate a wider geographical area.

It builds on a successful year for 140-year-old Archers, which announced a 14 per cent increase in turnover in the first half of the year, and a growth in staff numbers from 66 to 72.

Sheffield French, established in 2000, specialises in conveyancing, business transfers and wills trust and probate.

The acquisition brings another member, David French, to Archers, making a total of nine members and 26 fee earners.

David Collier, chief executive of Archers Law, said clients at Sheffield French's Stokesley branch would be offered a broader range of services including family law, employment law and personal injury claims.

"We have been an established law firm in the Tees Valley area for many years and have been looking for an opportunity to grow our client base in the North Yorkshire area," he said.

Mr French, who created Sheffield French, said: "After building up Sheffield French for seven years I believed that the next step was to offer our clients and residents in the Stokesley area a broader service provision.

"I am confident that Archers Law, as a key regional firm with dedicated specialists and client care support, can bring that to the Stokesley office."