PE-backed Greenwoods plots acquisition push with ex-Big Four hire

Private equity-backed law firm Greenwoods has appointed former JLL boss Stephanie Hyde as managing partner as it gears up for an acquisition-led expansion following last year's investment from Gresham House.

Hyde joins after leading JLL's UK and Ireland business and previously spent 25 years at PwC, where she held a number of senior leadership roles, including serving on the firm's main board.

She will oversee the day-to-day running of Greenwoods while helping execute the firm's next phase of growth, including investing in technology and AI and building "a platform with other firms" to broaden its offering.

Buy-and-build ambitions

Greenwoods became one of the latest UK law firms to take private equity investment last year when it secured backing from Gresham House Ventures to accelerate growth.

Asked about the firm's acquisition strategy, chief executive Rob Dillarstone confirmed to Non-Billable that Greenwoods intends to grow by bringing other law firms into the business.

"Part of how we grow will be by bringing other firms together with us on the journey, and we're open about that," he said.

"We start with fit - firms that share our values and behaviours and the way we look after clients and people. When a firm becomes part of Greenwoods, our aim is to build on what it already does well, as part of something with more behind it."

He added that Gresham House's backing meant the firm could "take the time to do this properly".

The firm said revenue has increased 64% since the 2022/23 financial year to £19.8 million.

Greenwoods operates from offices in London, Cambridge and Peterborough and advises clients across corporate, commercial, real estate, disputes, employment, IP and private client work.

Leadership

Dillarstone said Hyde was "exactly who we want to lead our operations through this next phase of growth".

Hyde said she was attracted by Greenwoods' "clear growth plan" and "strong client culture".

Gresham House Ventures investment partner Greg Blin said Hyde was "ideally placed to support Greenwoods on its continued growth journey".