Top Hampshire legal firm Blake Lapthorn has a new name after a major merger.

The company, which has offices at New Kings Court, Chandler’s Ford, is now one of the country’s top 50 legal firms .

It will now be known as Blake Morgan after combining with Morgan Cole.

Martin Hirst, regional senior partner at Blake Morgan, said the new firm will build on its strong foundations in the region.

He added: “We have a distinguished history of service to the local community and to businesses in the region – as well as being a trusted adviser for our private clients.

“Morgan Cole, equally, is a firm with very established bases in Cardiff, Swansea, Oxford and Reading. The merger will bring together complementary strengths of the two firms in its chosen sectors.”

Blake Morgan is keen to play a key role in the ever increasing regeneration and development projects in the Solent region.

In Southampton the firm is involved in a host of initiatives ranging from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce to providing trustees and governors to local charities and schools. “Our continuing commitment to the local community will be a very important part of our offering,” said Mr Hirst.

“Both firms are well embedded in their respective local communities and our people are encouraged to play an active part in the work of those communities.”

Walter Cha, the managing partner of Blake Lapthorn, becomes the managing partner of Blake Morgan. The co-chairmen will be Stephen Murfitt, the chairman of Blake Lapthorn, and Bruce Potter, the chairman of Morgan Cole.