Gallagher Bassett, a subsidiary of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), has announced the acquisition of Mays Brown Limited (Mays Brown Solicitors) — a London-based boutique law firm specialising in shipping and maritime legal services.
The incorporation of the Mays Brown specialty marine portfolio, with an established international client base of shipowners, operators, charterers, protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs, insurers, and shipyards, marks a significant expansion of capabilities for Gallagher Bassett's legal solutions division. This acquisition follows Gallagher Bassett's acquisitions of Germany-based specialist marine claims service provider Reck & Co. GmbH in early 2026, global marine and transit claims manager W K Webster in 2025 and professional liability legal firm Caytons Law in 2024.
The Mays Brown team, founded and led by Joe Mays and David Wartski, will join Gallagher Bassett under the direction of Manan Sagar, CEO of Gallagher Bassett's Europe, Middle East and Asia operations.
Sagar commented on the company's pursuit of a comprehensive specialty marine legal service: "The acquisition of Mays Brown, in conjunction with our recent M&A activity, positions Gallagher Bassett as the preeminent provider of marine claims, legal, and consulting services globally. It's a corner of the market that requires considerable knowledge and naturally complements our claims management expertise."
Director and Founding Partner David Wartski expressed excitement about the timing of the acquisition and for his firm's future as part of Gallagher Bassett: "For more than 20 years, we have built Mays Brown into a trusted name in the maritime sector. The opening of our Newcastle upon Tyne office at the end of 2025, led by senior admiralty lawyer and master mariner Andreas Welz and his team, complements our existing dry shipping expertise and now enables us to support clients on marine casualties and admiralty disputes.
"Becoming part of Gallagher Bassett gives us an excellent opportunity to build on the first-class service standards we have set and offer our clients the full spectrum of maritime law solutions. We are all very much looking forward to what lies ahead."
The deal was managed by Matt Foote, Gallagher Bassett's global head of Mergers and Acquisitions, who commented: "This acquisition reinforces our commitment to a strategic M&A approach focused on identifying and pursuing opportunities that align with our core values and advance our growth."
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Oliver Best — Brand and Reputation Specialist, Gallagher Bassett
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Oliver_Best@gbtpa.com.au
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