Northwest firm, Hill Dickinson, has a announced a merger with London-based Middleton Potts.

Hill Dickinson is well known for its shipping team which has a long-held reputation for dealing with all aspects of shipping-related work. Middleton Potts currently has 11 partners and focuses its practice on international trade, commodities and shipping. Hill Dicks stated on its website:

We are very happy to announce a merger with London-based law firm Middleton Potts, in a move that will significantly boost our presence in the commodities sector and add further weight to our global reputation for shipping and transport work.

The two firms will officially merge on 1 July and will operate under the Hill Dickinson name.  The combined firms will have a total London headcount of more than 200 people and expected turnover of more than £22m.

Hill Dicks’ move seems more positive than defensive given its recent Singapore launch. However, there has been much speculation recently about potential consolidation in the legal market. Expect to see more matches made in the heaven of the downturn…