No merger for Addleshaw and Maclay

Leading corporate firm Addleshaw Goddard will not be merging with Maclay Murray & Spens, it has been revealed, ending speculation that talks were underway between the corporate giant and one of Scotland’s top independent firms.

Previous reports had hinted that a combining of the two firms was going to be put to a partners’ vote, and that any merger could have been completed by May of this year.

That was put to bed however, when Maclays revealed earlier this month that whilst it keeps in touch with firms on a rolling basis, there were no ongoing discussions with any firm regarding a merger at the current time.

A spokesman for Maclays said: “We are resolutely committed to growing the firm: organically; through lateral hires; strategic acquisitions; or mergers. However, any such move has been and will continue to be assessed on the individual financial and strategic merits.”

Any merger involving Maclays would raise questions about the prominence of any independent Scottish legal power, as only Shepherd & Wedderburn and Maclay Murray & Spens are left of the traditional Scottish ‘big-four’ firms.

Of the others, CMS Cameron McKenna took over Dundas & Wilson, and McGrigors of Edinburgh merged with Pinsent Masons. Maclays began talks with Bond Pearce in 2011 regarding a merger but no deal was struck.

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