In merger talks

The Lawyer reported that Speechly Bircham is in preliminary merger talks with six-office firm Charles Russell in a move that would propel the combined outfit into the top 25 firms by turnover according to The Lawyer UK200.The talks follow Speechly’s discussions with fellow private client focused firm Withers, which were called off after a partner vote last May 2013. If the tie-up goes ahead, the combined firm will consist of about 176 partners and have combined revenues of £125.9m. A joint statement  by both firms said, “…We are now consulting with our partners and other key stakeholders. No further announcement will be made by either firm until those consultations are complete.”