UK regional professional services business Knights has strengthened its presence in the South East with the acquisition of Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition will bring 33 lawyers to Knights – joining a team of 1,350 professionals delivering premium professional services to businesses and private clients from 32 locations nationwide.
Rix & Kay, which reported revenue of £4.2 million in 2025, has built a strong reputation across Kent and Sussex. The business has particular strength in its Corporate, Commercial Property, Disputes and Private Client teams. The new colleagues joining via the acquisition will relocate to existing Knights offices in Brighton and Kings Hill.
The acquisition increases Knights’ presence in the South East, building on recent expansion in Essex and the Thames Valley and reinforcing the firm’s regional presence across the country.
David Beech, CEO of Knights, said: “The team at Rix & Kay bring an excellent reputation and lots of complementary expertise to Knights.
“They are well known for great service, and their culture and operational model make this an excellent fit. We are confident that the acquisition will complement our existing teams in Brighton, Kings Hill and beyond.
“We are the business that people go to for professional services everywhere in the UK, and today’s news reinforces that in the South East.”
For Rix & Kay’s clients, the acquisition will offer access to specialists across the UK’s regional professional services business, helping them to tackle any challenge or opportunity.
Richard Cripps, managing partner of Rix & Kay, said: “We have been considering our options for some time, and it is great news that we have been able to conclude our deal with Knights.
“I have observed Knights’ impressive growth across the UK over recent years and, alongside my fellow partners at Rix & Kay, am delighted to be able to become part of that closer to home in Kent and Sussex.
“I know our fee earning colleagues will thrive in a bigger, better-resourced business, and all of us are excited to be joining new colleagues in Brighton and Kings Hill as we come together to provide a wider array of premium legal services to our clients.”
Completion is expected to take place on 1 August 2025.
