Birmingham's Shakespeare Putsman and 17-partner Nottingham firm Berryman are set to merge, creating a £30m Midlands practice.

The tie-up, which will take place on 1 November, will create a new firm employing 440 staff across the East and West Midlands, including almost 60 partners.

The deal follows Shakespeare Putsman's merger with Stratford-based firm Needham & James this July, which formed a firm with combined revenues of £24m.

Despite the merger deals, both Berryman and Needham & James will continue to operate under their own names.

Shakespeare Putsman chief executive Paul Wilson (pictured) commented: "The economic climate and the Legal Services Act have made the legal market place increasingly complex and competitive. By merging, the two firms cement their position in the Midlands legal marketplace. The merger also creates the platform for major investment in our people, infrastructure and branding."

He added: "Berryman has an excellent reputation in Nottingham and the East Midlands. It has long held a very strong position as a pioneering, dynamic and ambitious law firm in the region. These like-minded characteristics make this merger an ideal fit. As a combined firm we will aim to retain and hire the best Midlands talent."

Shakespeare Putsman was formed in April 2007 with the merger of Shakespeare and Putsman.