EAST Anglian law firm Ashton KCJ has acquired Norwich-based Chambers & Co (Solicitors) Limited, a specialist in the franchise sector.

John Chambers, who founded Chambers & Co in 1998 and now acts for around 20% of the franchisors in the UK, said: 'We have worked with Ashton KCJ for many years, their commercial and disputes teams are second to none, and I'm delighted with this development.'

He added: 'The skill set of the new firm will enable us to provide our franchisor clients with a wider choice of legal services.'

Ashton KCJ has offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe and Thetford. It was formed through the merger of Ashton Graham and Kester Cunningham John last October.

Edward O'Rourke, partner and head of corporate and commercial at Ashton KCJ, said: 'The acquisition of Chambers & Co is an exciting step for the firm so soon after our merger at the end of 2011. We are delighted to welcome John and his team to our Norwich office.'

Chief executive Simon Smith added: 'The Chambers & Co team adds another niche service to our established specialist teams including French Legal Services, Court of Protection and our nationally recognised Clinical Negligence department.

'We are very excited at the prospect of working with some of the UK's national franchisors.'