THE company that has taken over the ownership of Asons Solicitors is controlled by the same family that ran the controversial law firm, it has been confirmed.

Coops Law, which is the trading name of Banks Solicitors, is owned by Irfan Akram – who is also listed as a director of Asons Estates and was one of five brothers involved with the running of Asons.

It was announced on Friday that Asons had ceased trading and that all employees were being transferred to Coops Law.

Asons Solicitors was owned by Dr Imran Akram, who Asons confirmed had left the firm on Friday, and Kamran Akram.

Companies House records show that Banks changed its registered address to Churchgate on Friday, having previously been registered at All Souls in Astley Street.

Banks is an alternative business structure (ABS), which is an entity that allows non-lawyers to own or invest in law firms.

The law firm says that it will honour the terms of a £300,000 grant awarded by Bolton Council last year.

READ MORE: Asons Solicitors promise 'fresh start' as sale to Coops Law is announced

A council spokesman said last week that it had not been contacted by Asons about the changes and that it would seek “urgent clarification” on whether the grant conditions had been breached.

In a statement issued on Friday, the firm said: “As of today, Asons Solicitors has ceased trading. All employees have been TUPE’d to Coops Law and there will be no job losses.

"We can confirm that Dr Imran Akram has left the business.

“The new employers will honour the terms and conditions of the grant awarded by Bolton Council.”

The company added that the change of ownership would be “a fresh start for everyone – the employees and the people of Bolton”.