Staff were told of the discussions at the end of last week. Heads of the two firms issued a joint memo: 'Our firms only contemplate mergers where we believe that there may be significant benefit for our clients, our sectors, our people and our community. We're in the process of confirming the benefits that a combination may bring and our working relationships to date have been friendly, positive and strong, demonstrating a shared sense of values'.

Birmingham and London overlap

Shakespeares has eight offices including bases in Leicester, Birmingham, London and Nottingham. SGH Martineau has offices in Birmingham, London and Brussels. Source: Legal Business