Gerard Starkey

February 25, 2013 | International Edition

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has invited firms to tender for its new litigation panel as the current five-firm roster nears the end of its three-year term. The SRA put together its first-ever litigation panel in early 2010, with Field Fisher Waterhouse, Bevan Brittan, Capsticks, Russell Cooke and Devonshires appointed. The current line-up is due to expire at the end of May 2013.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 21, 2013 | International Edition

Around 25% of firms in the UK top 40 are considering a tie-up with a non-legal practice within the next two years, according to research by accounting and consultancy firm Smith & Williamson. Of the 21 top 40 firms that responded, nine said they were considering a combination, of which three described such a move as 'likely', with accountancy firms the most attractive potential partners. Six top 40 firms also confirmed they are considering taking external investment, with five of these looking for private equity funding.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 21, 2013 | International Edition

DWF paid £3.8m to acquire the debts and work in progress of defunct firm Cobbetts, according to a report by administrators KPMG, as further details of the pre-pack rescue deal emerge. The report, which has been issued by KPMG to Cobbetts' creditors, states that £3.8m represents around 30% of the firm's net book value. DWF will also have to make a payment worth 25% of any of Cobbetts' debts and work in progress recovered over £9.4m.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 21, 2013 | International Edition

Bond Pearce has continued its recruitment drive ahead of its merger with Dickinson Dees, taking on planning partner Kevin Gibbs and insurance partner Jane Williams from DAC Beachcroft and Kennedys respectively. Gibbs, who is top ranked by Chambers and Partners for planning work, recently advised the Co-operative Group on planning aspects of an £800m regeneration scheme in Manchester. He is leaving DAC Beachcroft after less than two years at the firm following his arrival from Osborne Clarke in May 2011.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 18, 2013 | International Edition

Pinsent Masons has secured the services of a quartet of life sciences partners from Fasken Martineau including practice head Paul Ranson. Partners Allistair Booth, Stuart Richards and Charles Waddle make up the remainder of the team, which will be joining Pinsents' City office in the coming months.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 15, 2013 | International Edition

Eversheds and Dundas & Wilson have moved to dismiss rumours of a merger between the two firms amid market speculation about a possible tie-up. Both firms have denied the claims in a bid to end widespread rumours in the Scottish market about a potential union.

By Gerard Starkey

3 minute read

February 15, 2013 | International Edition

Latham & Watkins and Weil Gotshal & Manges are among a long list of US firms advising on the $11bn (£7.1bn) merger of US Airways and American Airlines parent company AMR, a deal set to create the world's largest airline. The boards of both companies have approved the merger with the majority share of the new company set to be owned by American Airlines' bankruptcy creditors with a 72% shareholding.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 14, 2013 | International Edition

Alternative legal services provider Axiom is officially opening its new India base for business on Monday (18 February), with video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) on board as the office's first client. The formal launch comes after Legal Week revealed last August that Axiom was in the process of establishing a 5,500 sq ft base in Gurgaon to offer its clients a more cost-effective service in the region.

By Gerard Starkey

3 minute read

February 14, 2013 | International Edition

Eversheds and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton have advised on a €150m (£128m) deal that could see airline Flybe acquire 43 short-haul routes operated by Aer Lingus. The Irish carrier is currently subject to a €694m (£592m) takeover offer from budget airline Ryanair. However, the deal is under scrutiny by the European Commission due to concern a deal could create a monopoly on 46 routes out of Ireland.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read

February 14, 2013 | International Edition

Cobbetts is set to face a creditor claim over unpaid tax bills from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) following its takeover by DWF. The firm, which last week entered administration ahead of its pre-pack deal with DWF, had previously entered in to a 'time to pay' (TTP) arrangement with HMRC, granting the firm additional time to settle its bills. However, Cobbetts' administrator KPMG confirmed that a proportion of a deferred sum due to be paid by the firm before it entered administration remains unsettled.

By Gerard Starkey

2 minute read