Newcastle law firm Womble Bond Dickinson is holding merger talks with UK rival BDB Pitmans in a move that could create a £129m turnover company employing nearly 1,500 people.
The early stage talks were confirmed by the firms in a joint statement that came as new Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) accounts showed the North East's largest law firm boosted turnover by nearly 9% in its latest financial year, despite what it called a challenging market.
A joint statement from the firms said: "Leading transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson and leading UK firm BDB Pitmans confirm that they are in early discussions around a potential merger. Both firms regularly review opportunities to advance the best interests of their clients and their respective firms.
