Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling continue to make great progress toward creating the unparalleled and fully integrated global elite law firm, A&O Shearman. All transaction milestones have been met thus far and support for the combination among clients, partners, and colleagues has been overwhelmingly positive worldwide.
Today both firms announced that the partnership votes to approve the transaction will start on September 28 and will be completed by October 13. The outcome will be announced shortly afterwards.
Wim Dejonghe, Senior Partner at Allen & Overy, said: “Preparations for the proposed merger are going well and we have received great feedback from clients and colleagues. Over the past few months, partners and teams from both firms have been meeting and building relationships, and the excitement about the opportunities for the merged firm is palpable. This response has only strengthened our belief in the transformational nature of this merger. We are both highly confident we will obtain the approval required to bring to fruition this unparalleled combination.”
Adam Hakki, Senior Partner at Shearman & Sterling, said: “This transformative transaction will bring a seamless offering across geographies to tackle clients’ most complex issues. We have made significant progress since announcing the combination, and our clients have expressed enthusiasm for the combination and what A&O Shearman will be able to deliver. Our partners and colleagues are very supportive and eager to launch the combined firm.”
The firms also announced today the successful completion of a number of key transaction milestones, including having completed financial and operational due diligence, the filing of requests for antitrust clearances (with the waiting period expired in the United States), and the completion of approval for all required modifications to retirement and pension programs
This merger will combine two of the world’s most prestigious law firms, leaders in their respective markets, to create an integrated global elite firm. A&O Shearman will be the only global firm with U.S. law, English law, and local law capabilities in equal measure.
Together, A&O Shearman will have ~3,950 lawyers and ~800 partners across 48 offices. Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling have 250 years of combined experience and some of the greatest legal talent in the world.
The proposed merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including a vote of the partners of each of the respective firms.
Media contact:
Leticia Correa
Leticia.correa@shearman.com
+44 20 7655 5636
Notes to editors:
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy means Allen & Overy LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings. Allen & Overy LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC306763. Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 07462870. Allen & Overy LLP and Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales.
The term partner is used to refer to a member of Allen & Overy LLP or a director of Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited or, in either case, an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications or an individual with equivalent status in one of Allen & Overy LLP's affiliated undertakings. A list of the members of Allen & Overy LLP and of the non-members who are designated as partners, and a list of the directors of Allen & Overy (Holdings) Limited, is open to inspection at our registered office at One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD.
Allen & Overy is an international legal practice with approximately 5,800 people, including some 590 partners, working in more than 40 offices worldwide. A current list of Allen & Overy offices is available at allenovery.com/locations.
Shearman & Sterling LLP
Shearman & Sterling LLP is a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. Shearman & Sterling (London) LLP is a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware for the practice of law in the United Kingdom. Shearman & Sterling is a partnership organized under the Hong Kong Partnership Ordinance and registered with the Law Society of Hong Kong for the practice of law in Hong Kong. Shearman & Sterling LLP practices in Italy in association with Studio Legale Associato Shearman & Sterling. Shearman & Sterling LLP operates in association with The Law Firm of Dr. Sultan Almasoud for the practice of law in Saudi Arabia.
