Months of speculation came to an end in March this year when Manchester stalwart James Chapman & Co announced that it was effectively splitting in two, with two local rivals the main beneficiaries. A majority of the 40-partner insurance specialist found a new home in the expansive embrace of Halliwells, boosting combined turnover at the national firm to more than £75m – potentially putting Halliwells among the largest 30 firms in the UK.
The agreement, which went live on 1 May, followed a merger approach by Halliwells in 2004 which was initially turned down.
