Profit growth flat as Macfarlanes announces £3.1m PEP. Top-50 firm Macfarlanes has reported flat profit growth in a 'transitional year' - but nonetheless announced a profit per equity partner figure of £3.1 million for the second year running. Unaudited results for the year to 1 April show operating profit up 2.7% to £212.0m on turnover up 4.9% to £389.5m. Damien Crossley, senior partner, described the figures as 'a satisfactory outcome'. 'The results reflect some standout mandates in our M&A and disputes practices and continued strength in our advisory practices against a market backdrop that was challenging at times,' he said. Meanwhile as the results reporting season continues, national law firm Foot Anstey announced a 12% profit increase to £18.05m on turnover up 7% to £82m. The firm said the results follow a period of sustained growth with revenue up 53% over the past five years. Managing partner Martin Hirst said: 'Achieving double digit profit growth in an uncertain market with a volatile macro-economic backdrop demonstrates our resilience and the strength of our growth strategy. Our solid performance allows us to continue investing in our people, our sectors, technology and AI. 'Looking ahead, we remain ambitious. We will continue investing in the areas that matter most to ensure we deliver for our clients and our people, while strengthening our position as a leading national mid-market firm.' Email newsletters. Partnership

Law firm tackles landmark Bears partnership. A South West law firm has entered a "groundbreaking" partnership with a leading rugby club that promises to deliver benefits both on and off the pitch. Foot Anstey has been named principal partner of PREM Rugby club Bristol Bears from the 2026/27 season under a multi-year agreement that includes front-of-shirt branding for both the men's and women's teams. The partnership also sees the national law firm become principal partner of the Bristol Bears Foundation, supporting the club's charitable work across the region. Beyond the pitch, Foot Anstey has been appointed Bristol Bears' exclusive legal services provider, delivering a full range of legal advice and support to the club and its players throughout the partnership. Described as one of the most significant commercial partnerships in the club's history, the collaboration is expected to support Bristol Bears' ambitions both on and off the field while further strengthening Foot Anstey's presence across the South West. Martin Hirst, managing parter at Foot Anstey, said: "Our partnership with Bristol Bears is built on a shared belief in the impact individuals can have when they come together as a team. "From our earliest conversations, it was clear this is more than sponsorship, it's about bringing together two ambitious organisations to drive performance, support our communities and create lasting impact. "This reflects how we work as a firm: building strong relationships, working collaboratively and focusing on what really matters to our clients and to the communities around us. "Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create momentum. "We're excited about what we can achieve, alongside Bristol Bears and the Bristol Bears Foundation, over the coming years." Tom Tainton, chief executive of Bristol Bears, added: "This is a groundbreaking moment for the club and we are delighted to welcome Foot Anstey into the Bears family. "From the beginning of this process, Foot Anstey has been an excellent partner - collaborative, engaging and genuinely excited about using the power of sport to leave a lasting legacy. "Having Foot Anstey's name on our shirts is about far more than a business agreement; it is a statement of intent about our aligned growth journeys. "This authentic partnership represents a shared set of values and a long-term commitment to driving success across our men's, women's and community programmes. "Foot Anstey's support of the Bristol Bears Foundation is particularly significant, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact within the communities we serve. "We look forward to achieving great things together over the coming years." Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.

Foot Anstey appoints corporate crime partner. National law firm Foot Anstey, headquartered in Plymouth, has appointed Jasmine Olomolaiye as partner in its investigations and corporate crime team. Jasmine joins from Linklaters, where she spent 12 years advising corporates and financial institutions on internal and regulatory investigations, corporate crime and sanctions. Recognised by Legal 500 for regulatory investigations and corporate crime work, she has advised clients across sectors including utilities, infrastructure, financial services and private equity. Jasmine said: "Foot Anstey has real momentum nationally and a clear ambition. "I'm looking forward to contributing to its growth strategy. "Improving social mobility in the legal profession is also a personal priority for me, so it is particularly meaningful to join a firm whose commitment to responsible business aligns closely with my own values." Jasmine's appointment supports Foot Anstey's continued growth and expansion of its risk and regulatory offering. Martin Hirst, managing partner of Foot Anstey, added: "Jasmine brings significant experience advising on complex investigations and corporate crime matters, particularly for clients operating in highly regulated sectors. "We are delighted that Jasmine will be strengthening our investigations and corporate crime practice at Foot Anstey as we continue to expand our risk and regulatory offering. "Her breadth of expertise, strong network and reputation for delivering high-quality, premium work make her a great appointment for the firm. "Her appointment also reflects our continued commitment to investing in the best legal talent to support our clients' needs." Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here. Explore these topics. Enjoy the read? Get Bdaily delivered. * Occasional offers & updates from selected Bdaily partners