Pinsent Masons and McGrigors are in merger talks over a deal that could create a combined firm with revenues of around £282m.

The talks have been confirmed by both firms today (19 January) with partner votes expected to be held in February.

If a deal goes ahead, the combined firm would be ranked 12th in the UK top 50, with McGrigors reporting 2010-11 turnover of £70m and Pinsents' revenues standing at £212.5m.

2010-11 profits per equity partner (PEP) at the firms were £247,000 for McGrigors and £400,000 for Pinsents.

Both firms have broad UK bases, with six offices across England and Scotland at Pinsents, while McGrigors has five bases across the UK.

Pinsents also has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai, while McGrigors has further offices in Doha and the Falklands.

A tie-up would create a 1,500-lawyer firm, including around 400 partners.

In a statement, the two firms said: "We can confirm that Pinsent Masons and McGrigors have been in discussions about ways in which both firms can work together to look at how we can bring a wide range of legal services to our respective clients, as well as improve their delivery. Both firms complement each other well, being leaders in the field of construction, energy and infrastructure.

"A potential tie-up would greatly benefit the clients of both firms, providing a wealth of market-leading expertise across a number of sectors and practice areas. It would also provide a strong platform upon which to grow internationally, with a continued focus in Europe, the Gulf and Asia Pacific.

"We will be spending the coming days speaking to our partners and staff about the proposals and will not be making any further comment at this time."

Commenting on the plans the head of a rival national firm said: "I'm not sure what the merger would give them as they don't gain much in terms of geographic spread etc. Unless they really work hard to make two businesses into one very efficient firm I don't really understand it."