International firm Bryan Cave acquires Denver firm Holme Roberts

The 113-year-old Denver firm Holme Roberts & Owen is set to merge with St. Louis-based Bryan Cave. Holme Roberts will bring its 150 lawyers under the banner of Bryan Cave, which currently has a headcount of over 900 attorneys, and the combined firm will have more than 30 offices in North America, Europe and Asia. Holme Roberts also brings particular expertise in energy, resources and sports to the full service firm.- Bryan Cave chairman Don Lents said Holme Roberts is an attractive partner because it broadens Bryan Cave's geographic footprint and brings expertise in natural-resources law and other specialties. In addition, the relatively low legal fees charged by Rocky Mountains firms, compared to their East and West Coast counterparts, will give the merged firm a competitive advantage in dealing with clients. While a midlevel Bryan Cave partner might charge hourly fees of $450, a big level California or New York firm might charge $850. Randy Miller, managing partner of Holme Roberts, cited growth opportunity as a principal reason for proceeding with the merger: "A couple of years ago, we outlined a strategic plan, and growth was very high on the list of priorities," he said. "In the global marketplace, clients increasingly have been looking for greater breadth and depth."

International firm Bryan Cave acquires Denver firm Holme Roberts denverpost.com Wed, Dec 7, 2011