NatWest ups commitment to back Knights’ next phase of growth

NatWest has committed £42m to a new £159m funding package for Knights in a move that gives the legal and professional services group greater firepower to pursue acquisitions across the UK and invest in its technology platform.

The new revolving credit facility, provided by a three-bank consortium, represents a significant increase on Knights' previous £100m facility and is committed until July 2029.

Knights reported a 28 per cent rise in revenues to £207.7m for the year to 30 April 2026, meaning the business has doubled its revenues over the past five years. Underlying pre-tax profits increased by 19 per cent to £33.2m.

The enlarged facility will provide additional capacity for Knights to acquire legal and professional services businesses, expand into new markets and strengthen its presence in existing locations.

It will also support further investment in technology and artificial intelligence.

Will Jones, relationship director at NatWest, said: "Knights has challenged the traditional law-firm model and built one of the most distinctive growth businesses in the UK professional services market.

"Its combination of national scale, strong regional roots and a proven acquisition strategy has driven significant growth. This new facility gives the business the capacity to move decisively on further opportunities while continuing to invest in the technology and infrastructure it needs for its next stage of development.

"We have supported Knights as it has grown, and our increased commitment reflects both the strength of that relationship and our confidence in its strategy."

Knights' growth continued in 2025 with the acquisitions of IBB Law in the Thames Valley, Birkett Long in Essex, Rix & Kay in Kent and Sussex, as well as organic market-entry in Cardiff, its first office outside of England.

Chief executive David Beech said: "Our regional markets are changing quickly, creating significant opportunities for a business with the scale, financial strength and operational platform to invest and grow.

"The increased facility gives us additional flexibility to pursue high-quality acquisition opportunities while continuing to invest in our people, technology and services.

"NatWest has been a valued banking partner throughout our growth journey. Its understanding of our business and ability to support our evolving funding requirements have helped us put the right foundations in place for our next phase of growth."

NatWest increased its participation in the banking facility from £27m to £42m. The transaction was completed by its Structured Finance team, working alongside its relationship banking specialists.