And it will be called CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
CMS Cameron McKenna, Nabarro and Olswang have confirmed they will merge to create a new global megafirm.
In a joint statement released in the past hour, a spokesperson confirmed that partners had voted “overwhelming in favour of a proposal to combine their firms”.
The new firm will trade as CMS, and the name of the UK LLP will be CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.
The merger — which will be the largest ever in the UK legal services market — is due to be completed on 1 May 2017. With over 1,000 partners and over 7,500 employees between them globally, the newly-formed firm will become the sixth largest outfit in the UK by revenue and the sixth largest in the world by lawyer headcount.
Commenting on today’s announcement, CMS’s senior partner, Penelope Warne, claimed the merger was an “important” strategic move for all three firms. Continuing, she said:
Through this combination, we are delivering a modern firm that combines scale with an exceptional depth of sector expertise. A firm that is united in its central focus on its clients, people, its commitment to diversity and the increased development opportunities that come from stronger and more global growth.
Late last month a spokesperson for the trio revealed that they were in “discussions about a potential combination”. Fast-forward ten days and the move, which will come as a surprise to many, has been given the green light.
With the new firm’s full name a bit of a mouthful, Legal Cheek urges all involved to reconsider and punt for one commenter’s suggestion of “McWango”.