Law firms call off merger

A proposed merger between Edinburgh-based specialist litigation outfit Simpson & Marwick and international law firm Kennedys has been called off, the two practices announced today.

The law firms said: “Both firms and their partners hold each other in the highest regard and are very disappointed that, for complex reasons, the merger could not be finalised.

“There are a number of cross-Border clients that Kennedys and Simpson & Marwick plan to continue working closely with in order to provide a UK-wide service.”

A spokeswoman for Kennedys refused to give further details of the “complex reasons”.

The two firms unveiled their merger plans in August, but announced in October that the deal had been delayed.