Slater and Gordon has struck a $1.2 billion deal to make it the UK's top personal injury lawyer.
The company's origins stretch back to the UK more than 85 years ago, but it has been known as Slater and Gordon since its began operating in Melbourne in 1935.
It currently has as many staff in Australia as the UK, but its position in the UK market is set to soar with the proposed STG637 million ($A1.22 billion) takeover of the professional and services division (PSD) of England-based firm Quindell.
Quindell's PSD employs about 2,400 staff and offers a range of personal injury claim legal services, plus customer service operations involving insurance and health care operators.
Slater and Gordon managing director Andrew Grech said the takeover offer comes after a thorough examination of the Quindell business, and if successful will deliver significant value for Slater and Gordon shareholders.
"The combination of Slater and Gordon and PSD creates the number one personal injury law group in the UK," Mr Grech said.
"It further diversifies our sources of legal work, broadening access to claims management companies, insurers and insurance brokers."
Slater and Gordon's rapid expansion in the UK since 2012 has been boosting its bottom line, with revenue there more than doubling in the first half of the current financial year to take net profit to $34 million.
To help fund the Quindell deal, Slater and Gordon is offering existing shareholders two new shares for every three they own, which will raise up to $890 million.
The Quindell takeover still requires approval from the UK firm's shareholders, plus the support of regulators.
If successful, the deal is expected to be done by May.
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