KWM london King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has pushed back the announcement of contenders for its European managing partner role, after extending the nomination period by a week.

Nominations for the position were due to close yesterday (20 September) but are now expected to close on either Monday or Tuesday next week (26-27 September). The results of the vote are expected between 7 and 14 October.

The firm is also nearing a vote on a new senior partner, following the news that Stephen Kon will step down from the role. Nominations for that role will close on 4 October, with the result announced between 19 and 26 October.

It is understood that Europe, UK and Middle East (EUME) real estate head William Naunton, who had been touted as a contender for both positions, will not be standing for either role. Naunton joined KWM in 2014 from Eversheds and was appointed to the real estate leadership role this March.

The managing partner election has been prompted by former European managing partner William Boss stepping down early in January. His replacement was due to be in the role by May but the decision was pushed back until the autumn, following a reorganisation of the firm's European practices.

London head of tax Gareth Amdor is seen as the most likely candidate for managing partner, with the global joint coordinator of KWM's corporate, M&A and securities practice, Tim Bednall, also seen as a contender.

UK investment funds head Michael Halford is being touted as a possibility for the senior partner role, while more recently Tim Taylor QC has also been linked to the position. Taylor, who has been a litigation partner at the firm since 1988, is the only QC residing in the United Arab Emirates.

The firm has been going through a turbulent time of late and this July voted through a recapitalisation plan, which saw partners agree to commit in excess of £14m – a move described by the firm as the third stage of its "strategic plan to strengthen its EUME business".

Companies House filings also show that KWM has agreed a debenture with Barclays, giving the bank security over all of the firm's assets, including its revenue stream.