London law firm Howard Kennedy has strengthened its Construction and International Arbitration practices through the acquisition of Corbett & Co., an international construction law boutique. The acquisition sees the arrival of a team of 7 lawyers, including three new Partners and Corbett & Co.’s well-known principal, Edward Corbett, as a Consultant. They bring a wealth of complementary experience in international construction law, complex international arbitration and the FIDIC forms of contract. The combination provides Howard Kennedy with greater specialist knowledge and experience of international markets.

Corbett & Co. is a leading advisor in the avoidance and resolution of international construction and civil engineering disputes, with particular expertise in the FIDIC forms of contract. The practice represents major employers, including governments and international contractors, on construction and engineering projects in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. The team represents its clients before Dispute Boards, in all forms of international arbitration and in other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Areas of expertise include energy, airports, railways, roads, ports, dredging, building, bridges, dams and water treatment.

The acquisition contributes to the ambitious three-year growth plan announced by Craig Emden, Managing Partner, in 2021, which targets £80m annual revenue by 2024. The addition of Corbett & Co. will increase the total number of partners to 59 and will contribute to an increase in its revenue, even before taking into account other anticipated new revenue generation opportunities.

Commenting on the transaction, Craig Emden, Managing Partner, said, “Our new colleagues will strengthen what is already an exceptionally strong Construction and International Arbitration offering at Howard Kennedy. They also enable wider access to international markets and sectors we don’t currently serve. Howard Kennedy has much to offer Corbett & Co.’s existing clients, who will have access to excellent legal support from across all our firm’s practices”.

Edward Corbett, Managing Director, Corbett & Co. said, “Joining our firm with Howard Kennedy is a natural progression, and our team and clients will benefit from the scale and infrastructure the business offers. We have always prided ourselves on being trusted advocates for our clients and by combining the strengths of the two businesses we can expand our international FIDIC offering and continue to offer clarity and continuity.”