Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV) and Hewitsons have called off their merger plans.
In a joint statement issued this afternoon they confirmed discussions have now ended after more than six months.
VWV and Hewitsons, which has offices in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Northampton, confirmed the talks last July – one of a growing number of mergers between regional law firms.
The discussions were seen by both as a positive move designed to deliver on each firm’s strategy for growth. Both firms have particular strengths in education, charities and private client work.
The merged firm would have had a combined turnover of £34m and 480 partners and staff across its five offices – Bristol, Cambridge, London, Milton Keynes and Northampton.
VWV managing partner Simon Heald said: “We have enjoyed getting to know Hewitsons over recent months and confirm that our discussions have ceased. Our plans at VWV are ambitious and focused on growth as we further develop our sector approach on a national and regional level.”
Hewitsons’ managing partner John Dix added: “Our discussions with VWV were constructive and enjoyable throughout but the merger is not going ahead. Both firms have impressive regional strengths and deep specialist expertise. We have wished each other well as we take these forward independently.”
Two of the West’s leading law firms, Harrison Clark and Rickerbys, announced they are to merge earlier this month.
Harrison Clark has a total of 220 staff and partners based in offices in Worcester, Cheltenham, Hereford and Ross-on-Wye, as well as serviced offices in central London and Birmingham.
Rickerbys, with around 100 staff and 19 partners, has bases in Cheltenham and Reading, from where it covers the Thames Valley.
Bristol’s Bond Pearce is merging with Newcastle-based Dickinson Dees to create a UK Top 30 firm. South West law firm Ashfords, which has offices in Bristol and Exeter, merged with London’s Rochman Landau last February.
