Weightmans is in formal talks with national firms Mace & Jones and Vizards Wyeth.

RollOnFriday first reported news of the talks with Vizards earlier today (7 January), with Weightmans later confirming that it is in talks with both Vizards and Mace & Jones.

It is unclear whether Weightmans is set to merge with the firms or take on teams from each, but specific terms are expected to be agreed shortly.

Weightmans managing partner Patrick Gaul (pictured) said: "We confirm that we are currently in talks with the partners of Mace & Jones and Vizards Wyeth. There is no formal agreement in place at this stage but we are optimistic that we can come to terms within a reasonable time frame.

"We have spent some time already looking at the strategy and the vision and we are at a stage now where we are investigating whether a mutually acceptable deal can be put together and we would anticipate being able to make a further announcement shortly."

Mace & Jones specialises in employment and dispute resolution and has three offices across the UK in Liverpool, Manchester and Knutsford. According to its website it has 34 partners. Vizards focuses on insurance litigation and commercial advice and has offices in London and Kent, with a total of 19 partners.

Weightmans is on target to reach £60m in turnover for 2010-11 after exceeding its billing target for the first half of the financial year. The firm posted revenues of £56.2m for the 2009-10 financial year.