Listed legal and professional services group Gateley has paid Stg £2 million, split equally between cash and shares, to buy the firm of Belfast-based media lawyer Paul Tweed.

The move boosted the Gateley share price by 2.75% to 180p.

Paul Tweed LLP specialises in reputation management and media law, and has represented such celebrities as Britney Spears, Liam Neeson, Nicholas Cage and Jennifer Lopez in libel cases.

The firm has multi-jurisdictional offices in Belfast, Dublin and London.

'Platform for growth'

Gateley said the purchase was a platform for growth across the island of Ireland.

Paul Tweed said he will remain as a partner in Gateley Tweed.

Gateley chief executive Michael Ward said: “We have considered expanding into the Irish market for some time and Tweed strengthens our presence in the Irish professional services market.

“We see this move as a springboard for developing a strong legal services offering in Ireland.”