Squire Sanders & Dempsey has held merger discussions with Denton Wilde Sapte, it has emerged, as the top 100 US law firm continues its search for a transatlantic tie-up.

The two firms have held discussions regarding a merger at management level with expectations a deal could be put together this autumn if the talks proceed well. The proposed union has not yet been generally discussed at partner level within Dentons, as the talks are at relatively early stages.

Dentons has been looking to broaden its coverage in emerging markets while Squire Sanders is looking to widen its UK and European capabilities.