berg goes global with Kennedys merger
One of Manchester’s most respected law firms has announced a merger with global law firm Kennedys.
berg, founded in 1980 by senior partner, Reuben Berg, is famous for its campaigning stance, and won national recognition when it was one of the first firms in the UK to challenge the banks over mis-sold derivatives.
This led to a number of successful and high-profile cases for berg, a recent one being the settlement at trial for the Hockin family after a four year battle against RBS to get compensation for the bank’s wrongdoings.
Berg said: “berg isn’t just another law firm but rather an effective professional services practice providing exceptional advice and service to its clients. Kennedys is the right fit for us to take this entrepreneurial spirit into a global arena, without compromising our imaginative approach.
“We have turned down many opportunities over the years that weren’t the right fit to grow berg in the way we wanted, and I’m very excited that this merger will create a bright future for our colleagues and clients, staying true to berg’s values.”
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, said: “Our two firms are a complementary fit, and the merger allows us to offer clients significantly enhanced commercial litigation and complementary services.
“We are also pleased to be further growing our presence in Manchester. The city’s talent pool and our increased presence there provide a strong platform to source, attract and retain talent.”
Alison Loveday, chief executive of berg, added: “We’re aware that many law firms are simply not set up to meet the needs of modern clients, and that’s why we have worked hard to provide commercial solutions beyond traditional litigation work. The appeal of merging with Kennedys is that it will allow us to carry on this pioneering work as part of a network that is global, but not faceless.
“The merger will provide flexibility for clients, offering access to integrated commercial, legal, and financial solutions that will benefit both firms. We can be as specialist – or as global – as our clients require, while still maintaining the innovative approach people expect from us.”
In October last year, Kennedys announced that it was moving into larger premises in Manchester to accommodate growth in the region. The new premises, in Churchgate House on Oxford Street, currently houses the 68-strong team and will also accommodate all of berg’s 50 staff by the end of the year.
