M&A Solicitors suspends partners in Cardiff SFO inquiry

One of Wales' leading commercial law firms has suspended two of its partners over a deal being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office.

Cardiff-based M&A Solicitors says Alan Whiteley and Eric Evans have been suspended with immediate effect.

The firm says the action arises from a single transaction with a client which it then referred to the authorities.

It follows the arrest of five people in a fraud investigation into the sale of four mining sites in south Wales.

Eight properties were searched in the operation, including five in south Wales.

The Serious Fraud Office has confirmed that the suspensions are linked to the case but gave no further details.

Based near the Welsh assembly in Cardiff Bay, M&A Solicitors has 12 partners and 60 staff working for a range of private and public sector clients.

In a statement published on the company's website, it says it "acted diligently by referring matters to the authorities and the Serious Fraud Office's investigation follows on from our referral.

"We are co-operating with the Serious Fraud Office's investigation and due to the ongoing nature of that investigation we are unable to provide further information at this time.

"We wish to reassure our clients that this is an isolated incident.

"We are committed to providing our clients with the best service possible, and we are working with clients to ensure that business will continue as normal."