Scots legal giant ends London merger talks

MERGER talks between Scots law firm Dundas & Wilson (D&W) and London-based Bircham Dyson Bell have collapsed.

The two firms yesterday issued a joint statement saying they have concluded that the disadvantages of a deal “outweigh the potential upsides”.

Donald Shaw, managing partner of D&W, said: “We hold one another in high regard and are naturally disappointed that serious and worthwhile discussions between us have not been more fruitful.

“However, as we stated, these were just steps to establish whether our previous successes in collaborating on client matters could be further developed by integrating our practices.”

Guy Vincent, managing partner of Bircham Dyson Bell, added: “Combining two well-established and successful firms is always challenging even when, as is certainly the case here, there is substantial goodwill and business potential.

“Both firms have independently and jointly concluded that, due to differences in their operating models, the downsides outweigh the potential upsides.

“Although we will not be merging, we remain on excellent terms and look forward to working together on appropriate projects.”

News of a potential merger first emerged three weeks ago and it was understood that the proposal would be put to a partner vote.

Had the deal gone ahead, it would have been one of the largest ever struck by a Scots law firm and would have provided a substantial boost to D&W’s operations in London.

However, news of the break-up of talks was met with little surprise in the Scottish legal sector yesterday with a partner at one rival practice saying he was “surprised” about the discussions in the first place.