Cobbetts and DWF confirm merger talks
Law firms Cobbetts and DWF have officially confirmed that "preliminary discussions" have taken place over a possible merger.
In a statement, DWF's managing partner Andrew Leaitherland said: "DWF is one of the fastest growing law firms in the UK; we've achieved double digit growth year-on-year for the past 18 years and top 30 status is well within our reach.
"Lateral hires and strategic mergers are a key part of our growth strategy and it is entirely consistent with this strategy that we should be in talks with any number of different parties to discuss the potential for a mutually beneficial strategic partnership.
"I can confirm that preliminary discussions with Cobbetts have taken place but until any such discussions are brought to a conclusion we will not be in a position to talk about them publicly."
DWF posted a 15 per cent rise in turnover to £83m in the year to 30 April 2011, while profits per equity partner rose to £390,000 from £333,000 in 2010, a 17 per cent rise.
Cobbetts meanwhile posted turnover of £44.5m in the same reporting period, up from £43.8m a year earlier. Net profits dipped from £10.5m to £10m.
Stephen Benson, senior partner at Cobbetts, added: "Cobbetts is a leading law firm with a national and international practice. We continually seek to develop our business in a dynamic market, through strategic alliances and lateral hires as well as seeking partnership opportunities which would provide benefits to our clients and the business as a whole.
"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on any any such developments until a conclusion is reached. I can confirm that we are in early discussions with DWF but with respect to all parties involved, we will not make any public comment unless they reach a conclusion."
