Manchester-based Berg, which was founded in 1980 by senior partner Reuben Berg, employs more than 50 people who will move to Kennedys’ Manchester site on Oxford Street which currently houses 68 staff. The firm was one of the first firms in the UK to challenge the banks over mis-sold derivatives leading to a number of successful and high profile cases for the firm, a recent one being the settlement at trial for the Hockin family after a four year battle against RBS to get compensation for the bank’s wrongdoings. Kennedys has 1700 staff worldwide, with 32 offices in Australia, US, Europe, Russia, China, Dubai and South America.
Not just another law firm
Reuben Berg said: ‘Berg isn’t just another law firm but rather an effective professional services practice providing exceptional advice and service to its clients. Kennedys is the right fit for us to take this entrepreneurial spirit into a global arena, without compromising our imaginative approach…We have turned down many opportunities over the years that weren’t the right fit to grow berg in the way we wanted, and I’m very excited that this merger will create a bright future for our colleagues and clients, staying true to berg’s values.
'A complementary fit'
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, added: ‘Our two firms are a complementary fit, and the merger allows us to offer clients significantly enhanced commercial litigation and complementary services…We are also pleased to be further growing our presence in Manchester. The city’s talent pool and our increased presence there provide a strong platform to source, attract and retain talent.’
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