Shoosmiths is to become the latest firm to enter the Scottish market via a merger, with the firm agreeing a union with Edinburgh's Archibald Campbell & Harley.

The deal, which will go live in the autumn subject to regulatory approval, will take the top 40 firm's office count to nine – adding Edinburgh to its eight bases in England.

The 13-partner Scottish firm, which advises on banking and finance, commercial property and debt recovery, will rebrand as ACH Shoosmiths north of the border. All 20 lawyers and 45 staff are expected to join Shoosmiths when the full financial merger goes live. ACH property partner Janette Speed will lead the Edinburgh base.

According to Shoosmiths, the two firms share a number of common clients – including Alliance Boots and IKEA – and crossover in work including real estate, retail and debt recovery.

Shoosmiths chairman Andrew Tubbs (pictured) said the move is client-led and will create opportunities in the two jurisdictions through cross-referrals.

"In Archibald Campbell & Harley we've a perfect fit, in both business and cultural terms … This is a hugely positive step, and a tangible demonstration to clients, staff and others of our ambition. That our ninth office will be in Scotland is very exciting," he commented.

The Scots' firm's chief executive Rod McPhail  said partners voted unanimously to merge with Shoosmiths, which already has offices in Basingstoke, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nottingham, Reading, and Southampton.

He added: "We have worked with Shoosmiths for a number of years with mutual clients so this is a logical progression of an existing successful relationship."

The news comes just weeks after Manchester heavyweight DWF announced its first foray north of the border via a merger with Scottish stalwart Biggart Baillie, adding 40 partners plus offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Elsewhere TLT is to merge with Scottish litigation specialist Anderson Fyfe while Pinsent Masons merged with McGrigors on 1 May.