Biglaw

Biglaw Firm Contemplating Transatlantic Merger

Hopefully these two lovebirds can find a way to make it in this crazy world.

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Dum dum da dum… Is that wedding bells I hear? No, just another Biglaw firm looking to get in on the 2017 merger mania.

Today, Bryan Cave announced it was investigating a possible combination with U.K. firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP). If this merger happens — still a big if at this stage — the new firm would be formidable with 1,500 lawyers, 32 offices in 12 countries, and a total combined gross revenue approaching $1 billion. And good news, the happy couple has already pick out its silverware, erm website, registering www.bryancaveblp.com on October 12th.

As one might imagine, the joint statement from the firms is optimistic, and focused on the improved services they plan to provide clients:

“If we combine, we will operate without regard to geographic boundaries,” said Bryan Cave chair Therese Pritchard in the joint statement issued by her firm and BLP. “Our firm would be one of only a handful of global firms operating in a one-firm structure with more than 500 lawyers in both the U.S. and also internationally. We will seamlessly provide counsel to clients across the globe, deliver client service at a new level and use technology and innovation to redefine efficiency in the practice of law.”

But the firms are careful not to be overly enthusiastic before their memberships have approved the merger. See, both firms have been down similar roads before, without a successful result. As reported by Law.com, BLP tried to merge with Greenberg Traurig last year before it fell apart, and Bryan Cave is no stranger to merger heartbreak either:

In late 2015, Bryan Cave was close to acquiring Dickstein Shapiro before a deal collapsed shortly after Christmas, leading what was left of the latter to pursue another according with Blank Rome. But Bryan Cave has a long track record when it comes to law firm combinations, having absorbed Denver-based Holme Roberts & Owen in 2012, Atlanta-based Powell Goldstein in 2009 and New York’s Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman in 2002. In 2006, Bryan Cave held unsuccessful merger talks with Squire Patton Boggs predecessor Squire, Sanders & Dempsey.

With firm cultures and financials that seem to fit, hopefully these two  lovebirds can find a way to make it in this crazy world.

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headshotKathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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