Clyde & Co in advanced merger negotiations with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert

Legal Week has revealed that Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert are in advanced merger talks. If the merger proceeds, it will be one of the largest ever link ups between two UK firms, creating a £300m combined practice with over 1,000 lawyers. Clydes chief executive Peter Hasson said: "Given our strategy to be the leading firm in our core sectors, it is natural that we look at all opportunities to achieve this which also maintain or promote the profitability of the firm. A combination of Clyde & Co and BLG may have the potential to provide significant benefit to the insurance market both in London and across our network so is worthy of serious consideration." Barlows chief executive David Jabbari said: "As we have said in the past, as part of our ongoing strategy to grow the firm both in the UK and internationally we have been exploring a number of avenues in various regions. A merger is just one of several options. "With BLG and Clyde & Co operating in many of the same markets, with the best lawyers in their fields, and with several clients in common, it's easy to see the obvious potential of such a combination. What I can say is that we would only pursue a tie-up with another firm if we believed doing so would be in the best interests of our employees, the firm and its clients."

Clyde & Co in advanced merger negotiations with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert legalweek.com Mon, Jun 6, 2011