UK top ten law firm Irwin Mitchell and Manchester-based Golds have announced plans to merge with effect from 1 April 2007. The new firm, to be known as Irwin Mitchell, is claimed as the largest and most diverse supplier of commoditised legal services in the UK. Irwin Mitchell is already strong in that field, particularly in the insurance sector: the firm also has a major personal injury and medical negligence litigation practice. Golds is a volume supplier in Scotland of mortgage lending, commercial lending and recovery services to financial institutions, especially in the insurance sector, where it has worked closely with Irwin Mitchell. Both firms have developed a range of “white label” legal products which can be packaged and sold by other organisations under their own brand. Howard Culley, managing partner of Irwin Mitchell, said: "The present government has been clear in its intention to streamline the delivery of legal services, increase competition within the UK's legal sector and ensure that a better legal service is provided to consumers. Realising the opportunities that a de-regulated market will offer, our aim is to position the firm as the leader in the delivery of volume legal services in the UK whilst continuing to develop our specialist areas of practice." With over 2,300 staff, including over 1,200 fee earners, the new firm will be the fourth largest in the UK with an office network covering Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield as well as Madrid and Marbella in Spain.