ONE of Liverpool’s oldest commercial property practices has merged with a national operator.

Edmund Kirby has joined forces with Matthews & Goodman to form a new practice known as Matthews & Goodman, incorporating Edmund Kirby.

The combined firm will operate from offices in Liverpool, Manchester and London.

Edmund Kirby was founded in Liverpool in 1864 and is based in Edmund Street, in the city centre, close to Old Hall Street.

Matthews & Goodman operates from an office in India Building, in Water Street.

The combined team will continue to work from both sites.

Although Matthews & Goodman is by far the bigger of the two firms, its Liverpool operation is significantly smaller than Edmund Kirby’s.

Both firms claim the move strengthens Matthews & Goodman’s existing presence in the North West and gives Edmund Kirby’s clients access to the wider geographical coverage provided by a national organisation.

Philip Silby, of Matthews & Goodman, said: “This merger achieves the strategic objective of both firms, to develop capabilities nationally and regionally in the North West.

“Edmund Kirby are a well-respected organisation with whom we have a good operational and cultural fit.

“This is a great opportunity for all our clients and our staff as we take the new firm forward.”

Geoffrey Smith, of Edmund Kirby, added that the combined business would continue the emphasis on the “provision of first-rate commercial and independent consultancy advice on property matters, with a focus on hands-on, solution-driven service”.

Edmund Kirby has recently been advising a number of landowners affected by the proposed redevelopment and expansion of Liverpool’s Edge Lane Retail Park.

The scheme was granted planning permission by Liverpool City Council planners in December last year.