The Gordon Dadds Group first ­approached shipping specialist Ince & Co in June about a takeover that will create the UK’s largest listed law firm, with annual revenue of £110m ($141m).

The two partners are now plotting the expansion of the merged firm under its new name, Ince Gordon Dadds LLP.

The £43m takeover, which sees Gordon Dadds enter the shipping law scene through its combination with one of the sector’s traditionally strong firms, was announced this week.