A 100-year-old law firm has bought one of its town-centre rivals in a bid to boost is property and family teams.

Brachers has acquired solicitors Watson Nevill for an undisclosed sum to strengthen its position in Maidstone, where both firms are based.

Managing partner Joanna Worby said the move had been motivated by an expected increase in construction of housing and commercial property in the town.

She said: “Watson Nevill is a well-regarded firm within the Maidstone legal community.

“This acquisition helps consolidate further our property and private client offering.

"We are seeing a huge focus on commercial and residential property in Maidstone as regeneration rises to the top of the local agenda.

“There is also a new wave of confidence around financing projects within property and other sectors, both from banks and more alternative sources where the legal frameworks are still taking shape, and this is therefore clearly an exciting time to support the ambitious growth strategies of businesses based in Maidstone and beyond.”

She added: “Similarly, high profile family law is never far from the headlines.

"This acquisition bolsters one of the most specialist family teams in the county helping parties to resolve disputes whilst attempting to minimise any financial and emotional strain.”