London, UK – 13/08/2025 – Edwin Coe LLP has formally acquired G.B. Hooper & Son Ltd, trading as Hoopers, one of the UK’s longest-established genealogical research firms. The acquisition follows a turbulent period for Hoopers, marked by operational restructuring, contested employment issues, and cash flow constraints.
Hoopers’ origins date back to 1969, when it was founded by Gertrude Christensen – great aunt of the current partners of Fraser and Fraser – together with Alfred Hooper. Following the dissolution of the original partnership, two separate firms were established: G.B. Hooper & Son (“Hoopers”) and Fraser and Fraser. Fraser and Fraser has grown considerably, building an international reputation and embracing modern compliance and accreditation standards. Meanwhile, Hoopers has been navigating a period of prolonged commercial challenges.
Founded over 100 years ago in its earliest form, Hoopers became a familiar name in probate genealogy, tracing heirs to unclaimed estates in the UK and overseas. However, industry sources indicate that recent legal disputes and rising operational costs had placed significant strain on the business.
The transaction will see Hoopers integrated into Edwin Coe’s Private Client Group, with the firm’s pipeline of probate research cases and client relationships preserved under the stability of a full-service law firm. Edwin Coe will also assume responsibility for ongoing work, ensuring continuity for existing clients.
While full financial terms remain confidential, it is understood that Hoopers’ remaining operations, including its case database, intellectual property, and brand, have been brought under Edwin Coe’s management. This integration removes Hoopers’ independent trading status, a notable development in a sector seeing increasing consolidation.
Fraser and Fraser has been a pioneer in introducing regulation to the probate research industry, becoming the first and only firm to have multiple Chartered CILEX Paralegals managing cases – a standard of professional accountability more commonly associated with solicitors.
Historically, Hoopers operated without the formal regulation that is now considered a modern professional standard. We’re confident that Hoopers joining a regulated law firm will provide the transparency and governance needed to bring them up to these standards.
A spokesperson for Edwin Coe said:
“This acquisition safeguards the continuation of Hoopers’ legacy of thorough genealogical work while enhancing the resources available to its clients through Edwin Coe’s multi-disciplinary expertise.”
The current partners of Fraser and Fraser commented:
“Given the historical connection between our founding families, we recognise Hoopers’ contribution to the probate research profession. We wish Edwin Coe and Hoopers’ remaining staff every success for the future.”
Industry analysts note that the deal comes at a time when independent probate research companies face increasing legal compliance demands, higher fixed costs, and greater scrutiny of employment and operational practices. For Hoopers, alignment with an established legal practice offers a route to secure its existing caseload and mitigate future risk.
The move reflects a broader trend of strategic mergers between genealogical research specialists and law firms, blending research capability with contentious probate and trust dispute expertise.
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