It’s almost like reality matchmaking shows for law firms these days. A large number of firms have announced mergers in recent months—perhaps headlined by the union of Faegre & Benson and Baker & Daniels in mid-October.
Yesterday, a new star-crossed pair, Bryan Cave and Holme Roberts & Owen, announced a merger that will see the firms officially united Jan. 1, 2012. The marriage will combine about 1,100 attorneys in more than 25 offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia. The new joint venture will be known as Bryan Cave LLP.
The merger is seen as a win-win for both firms. Holme Roberts expects to benefit from the expanded resources of being part of a larger, full-service firm.
“The combination enables us to provide increased capabilities and enhanced service,” Paul Smith, Holme Roberts’ executive committee chair, wrote in a release. “HRO's clients will benefit significantly from expanded expertise and a broader geographic reach in the U.S. and internationally. This combination ensures our clients seamless continuity of service while enabling us to offer a wider array of legal and geographical resources to existing and new clients.”
Bryan Cave also anticipates enhanced opportunities as a result of Holme Roberts’ strong regional presence in California and Colorado, as well as in its niche practices.
“We are very excited about the opportunities this move creates for our entire firm,” Bryan Cave’s chair of the firm Don Lents wrote in a release. “The combination will add exceptional legal capabilities in energy, natural resources, and sports law to Bryan Cave's international resources while expanding the firm's worldwide presence into the Rocky Mountain region and adding significant new depth and experience in California.”
