Midlands firms Shakespeare Putsman and Needham & James have announced a merger deal which is set to create one of the region's largest practices.

The new firm's combined Birmingham base will be known as Shakespeare Putsman, although the existing Needhams offices in Stratford upon Avon, Shipston on Stour and Moreton in Marsh will continue to trade under the Needham & James brand.

Needhams' Birmingham lawyers will move into the Shakespeares offices in the city, taking the total number of partners in the merged firm to 40.

The new firm will have 320 employees and an annual turnover of around £24m.

Shakespeare Putsman was formed in April 2007 with the merger of Shakespeare and Putsman. Shakespeares chief executive Paul Wilson (pictured) said: "The merger of Shakespeares and Putsmans three years ago has been a real success, and has helped us emerge from the recession stronger, leaner and more focused than many of our regional competitors.

"The extreme economic conditions experienced in the past two years have intensified competition and complexity within the legal marketplace. Our clients are rightly increasing their demands for exceptional technical expertise, a broader range of legal services and greater value for money."

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