Cumbria firm Bendles continues its expansion with the acquisition of Atkinson Ritson. The acquisition follows Bendles’ merger with Gaynham, King & Mellor earlier this year, in a deal which saw Bendles’ Cumbria presence expand from Carlisle, Wigton and Whitehaven to Penrith, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. The acquisition of Atkinson Ritson – itself the result of a three-firm merger (Atkinson &