If approved, the deal – described as a ‘combination’ by K&L -- would create a firm of more than 2,000 lawyers spanning 45 offices across the globe. K&L pointed to several shared practice strengths between the two firms, including corporate, energy and resources, dispute resolution and banking and financial services.

Potential synergies

In a joint statement, K&L chairman and global managing partner Peter Kalis, and Middletons national managing partner, Nick Nichola, said: ‘Our leadership teams believe that the client-driven consolidation and globalisation evident in the market for legal services will continue unabated and the potential synergies that would arise from the combination of our firms deserve (and are receiving) serious consideration.’
The firms revealed that discussions have been ongoing for several months and formal proposals are expected to be presented to both partnerships later this year.