Commerzbank's global and London legal heads have retained their positions following the bank's takeover of German rival Dresdner Bank, with London legal jobs at risk as a result of the deal.

Guenter Hugger will retain his position as global head of legal at the combined bank once the legal team formally integrates in March, with City-based colleague John Benson appointed as head of legal for London. Benson previously co-headed Commerzbank's London legal team alongside Susan Cooksley.

The appointments leave the position of Dresdner's London-based global and UK legal chief, Stephen Lowe, unclear post-integration, although he is expected to continue in his role until March. It is also unclear what position Cooksley will retain within the merged bank.

A number of job cuts are expected to follow the takeover, with up to 9,000 of the 67,000 positions at the combined bank likely to be made redundant. In London alone, 1,200 posts are expected to be lost in March on the conclusion of a 90-day job consultation.

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