K&L Gates in merger discussions with Australian firm Middletons

US law firm K&L Gates is in discussions with Australian firm Middletons about a potential merger. The 283-lawyer Australian firm saw $117 million in revenues last year, making it a relatively small but attractive partner for the much larger K&L Gates, which has 1,800 lawyers across 41 offices, and grossed $1.06 billion last year. 
"Our leadership teams believe that the client-driven consolidation and globalization evident in the market for legal services will continue unabated and the potential synergies that would arise from the combination of our firms deserve (and are receiving) serious consideration," K&L Gates chairman and global managing partner Peter Kalis and Middletons national managing partner Nick Nichola said in a joint statement.

 The firms said that if they can reach agreement formal merger proposals could go to their respective partnerships before the end of the year.

K&L Gates in merger discussions with Australian firm Middletons americanlawyer.com Mon, Aug 20, 2012