The proposed merger between a pair of law firms will not proceed, the pair has said, with extensive discussion leading to the decision that “the best path forward is to remain independent of each other”.
In October last year, BDB Pitmans revealed it was in talks with transatlantic firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD).
The pair said they were focused on where they saw the “greatest opportunities for a merged business, including those offered by complementary practice areas and office locations”.
However, a joint statement has now confirmed that those discussions have ended.
“Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans announced today that they have decided not to proceed further with their proposed merger,” they said.
“After extensive discussions on the combined proposition, both firms have decided that the best path forward is to remain independent of each other.
“Excellent relationships have been established and the firms will continue to work closely together in the future.”
Womble Bond Dickinson has locations across the UK and US. The firm’s UK offices are based in Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Newcastle, Plymouth and Southampton.
BDB Pitmans was formed in 2018 following the merger of legacy firms Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB) and Pitmans Law. It has offices in London, Cambridge, Reading and Southampton.