Linklaters reportedly in negotiations for alliance with Australian firm

International law firms have demonstrated considerable interest in the Australian legal market in recent months, with most of Australia’s largest law firms merging or allying with British firms. The latest chatter is that leading Australian law firm Allens Arthur Robinson is in discussions with Magic Circle firm Linklaters, with a view to crafting a formal alliance between the two firms. The first rumors of Linklaters’ interest in Allens were published in December, and now there are more anonymous sources claiming that discussions have been ongoing, with the firms working toward an agreement. Both firms are keeping very tight lipped on the issue, addressing the speculation with breezy references to their clients and a range of international relationships. Allens has a headcount of 802 lawyers and around 175 equity partners, compared with 2,134 lawyers and around 440 equity partners at Linklaters. The Australian firm reported $459.5 million in gross revenue in 2010, compared with Linklaters' $1.85 billion, and last year Allens reported profit per partner of almost $1.1 million, while Linklaters’ profits per partner were $1.8 million.

Linklaters reportedly in negotiations for alliance with Australian firm amlawdaily.typepad.com Tue, Mar 6, 2012