Morgan Cole, the regional law firm with a Bristol office, is in talks over a possible three-way merger with two other firms to create a new top 40 UK firm with revenues of nearly £100m.
The tie-up with Blake Lapthorn and Boyes Turner would result in a firm with offices across the Midlands, South and Wales and employing more than 450 lawyers. 
The talks come two weeks after Morgan Cole revealed it is transferring its entire volume claims and catastrophic insurance teams to larger rival DAC Beachcroft’s Bristol office,
In a statement to The Lawyer magazine, Morgan Cole confirmed it is “considering a number of strategic options in this dynamic legal environment. The firm is holding discussions with Blake Lapthorn and Boyes Turner about what a merger between the three firms might achieve for clients and staff. There are a number of potential sector, service, geographical and operational benefits that could be delivered but there is much work to be done before any final decision can be reached and discussions are at an early stage. No further comment will be made at this time.”
Blake Lapthorn managing partner Walter Cha said: “In common with all firms, Blake Lapthorn has been looking to seek advantage in a competitive legal market. A merger is one of the many options we have been exploring and Morgan Cole and Boyes Turner – both excellent firms – have been among those we have talked to. Discussions have not progressed beyond first stages at this juncture and it is too early to say whether talks will continue with either of the firms or indeed others. We will not be commenting further until and unless there is anything to put before our partners and staff.”
As well as Bristol, Morgan Cole has offices in Cardiff, Oxford, Reading and Swansea. Blake Lapthorn’s offices are in Southampton, Portsmouth, Oxford and London while Boyes Turner has a single office in Reading.
