Both firms’ partnerships “overwhelmingly” approved the move following a consultation
The merger of global firms Ashurst and Perkins Coie into Ashurst Perkins Coie has been approved by the partnerships of both firms as of Monday April 13.
According to a joint media release, the partners “overwhelmingly” supported the pitched combination after a consultation period. The merger is set to close in the third quarter of the year pending customary closing conditions.
“Our partners’ support underscores their commitment to building a forward-looking firm that enhances our ability to seize opportunity and deliver exceptional legal services in a dynamic global market. This reflects a shared confidence in what can be achieved together and in the strength of the combined platform to drive sustained growth and performance,” said Mark Birnbaum, Perkins Coie’s executive committee chair, in a statement.
Ashurst global CEO Paul Jenkins added that the partners’ vote confirmed the alignment between the firms and their shared ambition.
“Through our extensive engagement with partners, our people, and clients since announcing our intention to combine, it has become clear that our two firms are a natural fit,” Jenkins said in a statement.
Perkins Coie firmwide managing partner Bill Malley said the combination would enable both firms to meet clients’ complex, cross-border requirements.
The merger of Ashurst and Perkins Coie was first announced last year. The firm is set to focus on tech, energy and infrastructure, and financial services.
Malley and Jenkins will lead the new entity as global co-CEOs, while Ashurst global chair Karen Davies and Perkins Coie corporate practice chair Brian Eiting are set to become its co-chairs. The merged firm will employ approximately 3,000 lawyers across 52 offices in 32 countries, with flagship hubs in Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York.
The entity has combined revenues of about US$2.8 billion. Its lawyers have worked in Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Tokyo.
