Changes afoot for Shakespeare Putsman and Berryman
The merger between Nottingham law firm Berryman and Birmingham rival Shakespeare Putsman has been described as “exciting” by Berryman chairman Richard Brackenbury to Insider. Brackenbury also revealed Berryman is set to change its name under a re-branding strategy some time in the New Year.
Brackenbury said Berryman had been looking for some time for a potential merger and the deal came about after a third party introduced the two firms.
Brackenbury said: “Of course it’s no secret that Shakespeare Putsnam is the larger of the two businesses but we don’t see this deal as anything other than a merger.
“We’re also committed to staying in Nottingham. The whole point of this deal was to progress the business and develop our East Midlands operation.”
The merger between the two firms will go through on 1 November, Brackenbury said. The deal will create a Midlands-wide network of regional offices with an annual turnover of around £30m, employing 440 people.
Brackenbury added: “This is an exciting time for Berryman and adds new impetus to our own growth strategy, firm-wide and for every team within it. We will continue to develop this strategy through high quality work across our teams and sector-specific teams and through further lateral hires, to ensure we grow market share across the region as part of a dynamic, ambitious and larger firm.
Paul Wilson, Shakespeare Putsman chief executive, said: “The economic climate and Legal Services Act has made the legal market place increasingly complex and competitive.
“Berryman has an excellent reputation in Nottingham and the East Midlands. It has long held a very strong position as a pioneering, dynamic and ambitious law firm in the region. These like-minded characteristics make this merger an ideal fit. As a combined firm we aim to retain and hire the best Midlands talent.
“By merging, the two firms cement their position in the Midlands legal market place. As an ambitious, growing firm this merger will take us a step closer to establishing a leading Midlands legal firm. The merger also creates the platform for major investment in our people, infrastructure and branding.”
