Law Firm Merger Mania: Everyone's a Winner at.... Nixon Pillsbury?
Yesterday we wrote about possible layoffs at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. We've acquired a few more details, as well as information that might explain why some commenters who claim to be at PWSP haven't heard about them yet. We'll pass it along later; if you can add to our knowledge, please email us.
In the meantime, here's an intriguing rumor making the rounds that might explain upheaval at Pillsbury:
Have you heard anything about Nixon Peabody merging with Pillsbury Winthrop? I have heard this from several different associates [at NP] over the past few weeks. It certainly would seem to jive with the new chairman's strategic initiative rolled out last month which hopes to double Nixon's size over the next few years.
More about that initiative, from a second Nixon Peabody source:
[A] few weeks ago there was a firm-wide videoconference with the new managing partner Dick Langan. He said the goal was to double the size of the firm within five years; we all left saying the only possible way to go from 700 attorneys to 1500 in that short amount of time was a merger. He talked a lot about increasing our international presence, and specifically mentioned Paris and also South America.
So even if it doesn't get with Pillsbury Winthrop, a merger involving Nixon Peabody wouldn't be that surprising.
Read more, below the fold.
The NP tipster adds:
Apparently our supply room has also started recycling. I went to grab some binders yesterday, and the spine of one of them was labeled "NP Merger."[A]las, there was nothing inside the binder.
To whoever is in charge of making deal-related binders at Nixon Peabody, you should start using code names. E.g., "Project Making More Winners."
We contacted both Pillsbury Winthrop and Nixon Peabody for comment. Pillsbury didn't get back to us; Nixon Peabody issued this statement, through a firm spokesperson:
While we are open to considering growth opportunities that are consistent with our strategic objectives and criteria, it would be inappropriate to comment on any specific discussions at this time.
Stay tuned. If Nixon Peabody and Pillsbury Winthrop do merge, we hope that the Nixon name will go first (even if Pillsbury is bigger in terms of number of lawyers and revenue). If they go with "Nixon Pillsbury," they can keep the firm song (mp3), and just touch it up with some minor dubbing: "Everyone's a winner at Nixon PILLS-bury!"
Earlier: Nationwide Layoff Watch: Pillsbury Winthrop Axes 15 in California?
(38) Comments
first. Tee hee.
second?
nixonpillsbury.com domain name was sold last week. so was pillsburynixon.com and the hyphenated versions.
Pillsbury does not have offices in Paris or South America.
Pillsbury Peabody?
In terms of international offices, the firms are not a good fit.
Pillsbury has a presence in London, Shanghai, and Tokyo. NP is already in the first two cities. So the only new office they would get would be Tokyo.
No continental Europe, no South America (the areas mentioned by Dick Langan).
"It's all about the team, it's all about respect, it's all about integriteee, yeah...."
Nixon Peabody and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman will merge and form Globodyne Systemes Corp.
Pillsburry Pee...hehehehehehe...
TTT + TTT = ???...for sure not top tier!
If these firms merge, they can challenge Greenberg Traurig for its status as the world's largest TTT
What is Nixon Peabody?
Prediction: new name will be pillsbury nixon winthrop
website: p-n-w.com
why not Pillsbury Winthrop Nixon?
After all, its opponents would all be PWNed
2:51 wins the thread.
The domain names mentioned above are still available according to Register.com and betterwhois.com.
Is that firm song for real?
There is nothing to these rumors.
What does "TTT" mean?
I don't have anything to add except for to remind all readers that Nixon and Pillsbury are TTT.
Thanks for your attention to this fact.
How do Heller, Winston & Strawn, and O'Melveny figure into this?
I speak for everyone:
Who Gives A Shit?
Thank you.
WTF? TTT?! OMFG! !!!11!eleventy!!
Yes, I admit it. All of us that use the term "TTT" have never had sex where money has not been exchanged.
3:47, your wife is TTT?
Does anyone know what "TTT" means???
How do Heller, Winston & Strawn, and O'Melveny figure into this?
TTT = top tier talent
4:05: TTT = NYU. Please stop aksin'.
TTT = third tier toilet.
Is there anything to these rumors or is Lat just throwing out crap because he has noting else to write about? I know this is a tabloid and all, but you have to have some stories hit the mark in order to justify all the garbage in between....
Third-Tier Toilet is what it actually means. I've usually seen it in reference to law schools that are reliable safety schools, or pay-to-play schools (i.e., where the main qualification for admission is your application fee check must clear).
While, the *etymology* of TTT is indeed as 4:35, its *meaning,* as distinguished from etymology, has come to be different. It is now a pejorative of relatively general application, with connotations that the subject possesses significantly inferior quality or reputation.
And ENTOMOLOGY is all about the bedbugs.
The etymology of "entomology" is generally as follows: Entomology is from the Greek word εντομο - "that which is cut in pieces or engraved/segmented." It has come to mean "the study of insects."
2:27 - CLAIMS that the domain names were sold last week. This is EMBLEMATIC of the ridiculous RUMOR MILL. The domain names were NOT sold, have NOT been SOLD, and are STILL available. People make up shit on here ALLLLLLL the time. These rumors are nearly completely WORTHLESS. The childish oversimplification is just sad!
"We've acquired a few more details, as well as information that might explain why some commenters who claim to be at PWSP haven't heard about them yet. We'll pass it along later"
What are the odds of this actually happening?
GULC GULC pisses all over the doughboy.
A binder titled "NP Merger"? Well hold de phone. And empty no less!
Dat, friends, is some proof pos-i-teeve.
Peabody Nixon would have been a much better name. Using MoFo as an example......PeaNix anybody?
ATL: ~"I have really juicy details about this that will prove that all of the things I have said about Pillsbury are true. Stick around, I'll pass along this info later" [Tick,tick,tick...two days go by].
Terry Tate: "You can't be bringing that weak-ass stuff up in this humpty-bumpty!"
...if you have some real info (as you claim to), out with it already!