Litigation firms merge

Scottish litigation firm HBM Sayers today unveiled a merger with Berrymans Lace Mawer that will create a £100 million business in Britain and Ireland.

BLM, as the new practice will be known, will have 1,550 employees, including 170 partners and 630 lawyers and technical staff operating from 12 offices.

The merger followed a review of client demands by both firms which have a big presence in the general insurance sector, the London Market and among brokers.

David Taylor, chairman of the HBM Sayers management board, said there would be no job losses as a result of the merger which will complete on 1 May. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.