Howard Kennedy has merged with West End law firm Amhurst Brown Colombotti creating a 56-partner practice with revenues of £23m.

The deal, which becomes official on 1 September, will give Howard Kennedy its first international coverage with Amhursts having associated offices in Denmark, Islamabad, Madrid, Milan, Moscow and Warsaw.

Trevor Newey, Howard Kennedy senior partner, commented: "The arrival of the Amhurst Brown Colombotti partners and staff is a major development for Howard Kennedy. We look forward to building an even stronger partnership and practice with the full support and involvement of our new partners and staff."

The deal sees eight Amhursts lawyers join Howard Kennedy as partners along with a number of assistants, consultants and support staff.

Amhursts specialises in property, corporate, litigation, employment and private client work.

Christopher Langford, senior partner at Amhursts, said: "We are extremely pleased to be merging with Howard Kennedy. Our key practice areas and specialist skills complement each other well."