Managing partners predict more big law mergers
A survey of managing partners at 102 of the top 200 law firms in the UK has revealed that most believe there will be more mergers among the top firms. The research, by Byfield Consultancy and Fox Williams, reveals that 95 per cent of respondents expect the next two years to bring “major consolidation” at the top end of the sector. The report also shows that 66 per cent of firms that have not merged have had talks with potential merger partners with 45 per cent saying they would consider merging in the next two years. The main reasons given for considering a tie-up include increased competition, client expectation, requirement for growth and enhancement of reputation.
Ashurst corporate head to join Bakers
Arthur Apos will join Baker & McKenzie in Melbourne next week from Ashurst where he was head of the corporate practice in Melbourne and Perth. Apos specialises in mergers and acquisitions, company law and governance, joint ventures, franchising and distressed investing especially in the industrial, manufacturing and automotive sectors.
Yingke Law expands into Taiwan
China’s largest law firm Yingke Law has expanded its international footprint with a new office in Taipei. The 10 partner office will work with Chinese firms that are operating in Taiwan.
Wells Fargo bank predicts another ‘good year’ for law firms
US bank Wells Fargo says that law firms had a good year in 2014 and predicts more gains this year. Director Jeff Grossman says that increases in demand for law firms’ services are the best since 2008 and predicts growth of 3 per cent this year.
Court rules against parents who wanted to name their child Nutella
A court in France has ruled against parents who wanted to name their baby Nutella after the hazelnut spread. This was not an IP case brought by the manufacturers though but was brought under French law that prohibits names deemed to be inappropriate or liable to mockery. The parents did not attend the hearing and in their absence the judge decided to name the baby Ella.
