Breaking: Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling announce merger

Posted on |
Breaking: Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling announce merger

In what the firms describe as ‘the first fully integrated global elite law firm’ Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling today (21 May) announced a planned merger to create a ‘unique global law firm’ named Allen Overy Shearman Sterling – A&O Shearman for short.

In a statement, the firms said: ‘This merger will combine two of the world’s most prestigious law firms, leaders in their respective markets, to create an integrated global elite firm. Continue reading “Breaking: Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling announce merger”

End of the road for Womble Bond Dickinson merger talks with BDB Pitmans

Posted on |
End of the road for Womble Bond Dickinson merger talks with BDB Pitmans

Merger talks between Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) and BDB Pitmans have been called off, the firms announced on Wednesday (1 February) in a joint statement.

Talks of a combination first became public in October 2022, when a story on RollOnFriday prompted WBD and BDB Pitmans to confirm that they were in discussions around a potential merger, albeit early stage.

Continue reading “End of the road for Womble Bond Dickinson merger talks with BDB Pitmans”

Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans table merger

Posted on |
Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans table merger

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) and BDB Pitmans are continuing to pursue a strategy of development through consolidation, having confirmed they are in talks over a potential merger.

After RollOnFriday broke the news of the merger talks today (21 October), the firms said in a joint statement: ‘Leading transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson and leading UK firm BDB Pitmans confirm that they are in early discussions around a potential merger. Both firms regularly review opportunities to advance the best interests of their clients and their respective firms. Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans are focused on where they see the greatest opportunities for a merged business, including those offered by complementary practice areas and office locations. Continue reading “Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans table merger”

History of mergers: State of the union

Posted on | and
History of mergers: State of the union

‘The global Magic Circle is all American. The reality is that the English Magic Circle are now competing with the next tier down of US firms. So, for a UK Magic Circle firm to merge with a lower tier US firm would likely be accretive.’

So says Charlie Geffen, formerly a partner at Ashurst and Gibson Dunn. He expresses a common pessimism on this side of the pond about the chances of an elite UK and US merger. Continue reading “History of mergers: State of the union”

BLM salaried partners forced to re-apply for roles as Clyde merger looms

Posted on |
BLM salaried partners forced to re-apply for roles as Clyde merger looms

Salaried partners at BLM will have to re-apply for their positions once the firm’s merger with Clyde & Co goes live on 1 July.

Subject to a consultation, the salaried partners at BLM will be automatically transferred to Clyde with the title of legal director, and then given three options. Aside from remaining a director, they can apply to become a salaried partner (this option is only open to the casualty insurance practice) or a full equity partner at the merged firm. Continue reading “BLM salaried partners forced to re-apply for roles as Clyde merger looms”

‘Buffeted from both sides’: City partners react as Clyde & Co and BLM finalise merger

Posted on |
‘Buffeted from both sides’: City partners react as Clyde & Co and BLM finalise merger

With partners from Clyde & Co and BLM recently voting through their £700m merger, observers have offered conflicting views on what the tie-up means for the market.

Legal Business broke the news on 18 March that a partnership vote was imminent, and Clyde confirmed on 28 March that the vote had passed, with the combination to go live in July 2022.

Continue reading “‘Buffeted from both sides’: City partners react as Clyde & Co and BLM finalise merger”

US march into London continues as Armstrong Teasdale completes acquisition 

Posted on |
US march into London continues as Armstrong Teasdale completes acquisition 

Missouri-bred Armstrong Teasdale has made an ambitious London launch via the acquisition of Kerman & Co and its 50 lawyers and staff.

The buyout will boost Armstrong Teasdale’s global headcount to over 340 lawyers, and marks the firm’s eighth office opening in the last two years. It swiftly follows the firm’s Delaware launch in January.   Continue reading “US march into London continues as Armstrong Teasdale completes acquisition “

Knights puts hand in pocket again for £28.6m double acquisition

Posted on |
Knights puts hand in pocket again for £28.6m double acquisition

Knights has made its largest splash to date, taking £28.6m out of its war chest to acquire two more regional firms, while also launching a £20m share placement towards funding the deals.

The listed firm has agreed to acquire Leeds-based outfit Shulmans for approximately £20.1m and south east firm ASB Law in a deal worth up to £8.5m. The respective acquisitions will see a total of 219 fee earners decamp to Knights upon completion. Continue reading “Knights puts hand in pocket again for £28.6m double acquisition”