US law firm Bryan Cave is in merger talks with top UK law firm BLP to create  a billion dollar firm. The two firms would form a combined combined entity, BryanCave BLP, with 32 offices in 12 countries with 1500 lawyers. Revenues at Bryan Cave last year were $608 million whilst BLP posted revenues of £272 million. A statement from the firms confirmed the talks adding that the transaction was not yet final and was 'subject to, among other things, the resolution of all conflict issues and approval by partners at both firms later this year.'

Innovation

Therese Pritchard, chair of Bryan Cave, said: 'If we combine we will operate without regard to geographic boundaries. Our firm would be one of only a handful of global firms operating in a one-firm structure with more than 500 lawyers in both the US and also internationally.'  The statement said that the proposed merger would combine both firms’ internationally recognised leadership in client-focused innovation and that clients of both firms would benefit from a wide range of new and innovative service models and products.

Cultural fit

Lisa Mayhew, managing partner of Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), said: 'Our two firms share a strong commitment to innovation in the interests of our clients. We also have an unusually strong cultural fit with a mutual focus on collaboration across our businesses in the interests of deep and lasting client relationships. It is encouraging for the potential firm that BLP and Bryan Cave both have this complementary heritage, but crucially also share the same ambitions for the future.'