Shakespeares and SGH Martineau confirm merger

TWO of Birmingham’s best known law firms, Shakespeares and SGH Martineau, have confirmed they are to merge.

Speculation the deal was near completion has been rife for some time and in a statement today the two firms confirmed they would complete the merger on June 15.
 
The deal will create a new firm – Shakespeare Martineau – employing 900 people with a combined annual turnover of £75m.
 
With offices in Birmingham, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sheffield and Brussels, the firm is expected to be a dominant legal player not only regionally but nationally and internationally. Each firm has its own specialist sectors and, combined, the new offer is said to be “a compelling service” for both existing and prospective clients.
 
Andy Raynor, CEO at Shakespeares and now Shakespeare Martineau, said: “I’m delighted with the way this has gone – all our people have worked together brilliantly. Shakespeare Martineau will have a strong commercial personality and the merger demonstrates the commitment of both firms to grow and keep ahead of a rapidly changing and vibrant marketplace.”
 
Emma Shipp, managing partner at SGH Martineau, said: “Announcing the firm’s merger has cemented our shared vision– to be a progressive and distinctive law firm focused on making a difference for our clients.  I’m confident that by joining forces we will have an exciting business in which all of our people can develop and thrive.”