PARTNERS at Dickinson Dees and Bond Pearce have voted in favour of a merger, creating a £95m firm.

The merger deal that goes live on May 1 next year creates a major new law firm, Bond Dickinson with about 1200 staff employed across eight offices UK wide. Jonathan Blair, managing partner of Dickinson Dees, will become managing partner of the new firm and Nick Page, chairman of Bond Pearce, will be chairman of the new firm.  John Marshall of Dickinson Dees) and Victor Tettmar of Bond Pearce will complete the senior management team.

Mr Blair said: “We are delighted that we have reached an agreement to merge.  As we said when we announced our discussions, both firms had clearly articulated strategies.  Our merger is a major step in the delivery of those plans and our new scale will give us the strength in depth and sector insight to support our clients' growth plans.  The merger will give us a strong base for further growth and lateral recruitment.”

Mr Page said: “Both firms have had a great deal of support and encouragement from their clients during this process.  Bond Dickinson will draw on the best of both firms to deliver outstanding client service and build on the great reputation that each has for quality work.  We are excited at the new possibilities that our merger offers”

As part of the merger agreement, the firms have agreed to combine their London offices under one roof in new and larger premises, to accommodate both their existing teams and new recruits.

“Both firms identified early on in our discussions that they shared a similar culture and core values” added Mr Page. “At the heart of Bond Dickinson will be our desire to build on these to create strong relationships with our clients and within the new firm .“