Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing’s UK-led business have formally approved their proposed merger, paving the way to create one of the largest transatlantic law firms.
Announced last December, the merger will create a firm with more than 1,400 lawyers across 20 global offices and revenue in the region of £1.2bn ($1.6bn), putting it just outside the top 40 in the Global 200 according to data published by Law.com.
The tie-up is expected to go live in May 2026 following a period of partner-led integration. The combined firm – to be known as Winston Taylor – will focus on complex litigation, transactions, intellectual property and private wealth across sectors including technology, life sciences and financial services.
As part of the combination, Taylor Wessing partners in the Netherlands and Belgium have voted to operate under the Winston Taylor brand, with full integration expected over time subject to regulatory approvals.
Winston Taylor has also agreed a cooperation and referral arrangement with the legacy Taylor Wessing verein, including the German business, to provide continuous service to clients.
Steve D’Amore, chairman of Winston & Strawn, who will continue as global chair of the new firm, commented: “The decisive, overwhelming support from our partnerships reflects a shared commitment to meeting our clients’ desire for a unified team across the Atlantic. Winston Taylor is positioned to provide seamlessly integrated work across borders for the businesses, people and markets which are driving capital and innovation.”
“This combination creates a transatlantic law firm in the major hubs of innovation and capital in the US, Europe and the Middle East,” added Shane Gleghorn, managing partner of Taylor Wessing UK, who will serve as managing partner of Europe and Middle East for Winston Taylor and will become a member of its executive committee.
“Our partners, therefore, voted in favour of the combination because both firms have an absolute commitment to achieving our clients’ objectives, and that focus will be the foundation of our shared success,” he added.
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