Yorkshire-based Helios Legal Services Limited, trading as Bailey Smailes Solicitors, has strengthened its presence in the region with the acquisition of Huddersfield-based Oates Hanson Solicitors for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition takes Bailey Smailes’ headcount to 30 as the firm continues to expand its footprint along the M62 corridor. With established offices in Huddersfield and Holmfirth, the firm also added a third base in Mirfield at the start of 2025.
The deal will bolster Bailey Smailes’ expertise in both commercial and residential property, as well as estate planning. Oates Hanson’s team, including founding partners John Oates and Patrick Hanson, will transfer to the Huddersfield office.
Although stepping back from ownership, the duo will remain with the firm as consultants, ensuring a smooth transition over the medium term.
Oates Hanson Solicitors was formed in 1983 and has provided legal services in Huddersfield for the past 40 years, specialising in property conveyancing, wills, probate and estate planning, businesses and landlord and tenant matters.
Bailey Smailes Solicitors has a history dating back to 1827 and incorporates a number of long-established Huddersfield-based practices including Bailey Russell & Kelsey, Heap Marshall & Heeley and Smailes & Walker. It was acquired by Helios Legal Services Limited in 2023 and has since traded under the Bailey Smailes name.
The firm offers expert legal advice across multiple areas including family law, divorce and separation, child arrangements, private client matters, wills and probate, inheritance tax and estate planning, lasting powers of attorney, court of protection, residential conveyancing, agriculture, and company and commercial property law.
David Gilman, chief executive of Helios Legal Services said: “Bailey Smailes Solicitors has been serving the region in one form or another for nearly 200 years. This heritage gives us a strong foundation, but our focus is firmly on the future. And it is exciting.
“The acquisition of Oates Hanson, with both Patrick and John joining as consultants, strengthens our expertise and broadens our presence along the M62 corridor. It’s a key step in our ambitious regional growth plans as we continue to provide expert legal advice at a sensible price to individuals and businesses across Yorkshire”
John Oates, partner at Oates Hanson Solicitors, added: “Bailey Smailes has a wonderful reputation and shares the same values that have guided our firm for many years. Becoming part of the team marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, giving our clients access to even greater expertise and opportunities.”
Image provided by Bailey Smailes Solicitors
