Joe Mallon, director and head of Mallon & Co, paid tribute to Paul Boyle and Fionnuala Boyle for a “very seamless transition”.

Mr Mallon’s brother-in-law and fellow director, Enda McKaigue, will be heading up the firm’s new Coleraine office.

Mr McKaigue said: “Rafferty & Boyle was an excellent fit for us. Our company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and Rafferty & Boyle has been in Coleraine for 40 years.

“We’ve taken over a company with a sterling reputation and we’re keen to build upon those very solid foundations.”

A general practice firm, Mallon & Co covers residential conveyancing, matrimonial, wills, estate planning and litigation.