Expectations for consolidation in the legal sector have been growing steadily since the credit crunch struck. In 2007, 49% of top 100 firms expected an increase in law firm mergers, in 2008 it was up to 60% and by 2009 75% were waiting like grandparents for the next wedding party. The union of Hogan Lovells is seen by observers as confirmation of a trend.

The latest rumour to strike involves Liverpool firm Hill Dickinson and Manchester firm Halliwells. Legal Week has “established that discussions between the two firms have taken place, though they are believed to have only reached an exploratory and informal stage”. Denials have followed.

Both firms have been active on the singles market already however. In May last year Hill Dickinson announced a merger with London-based Middleton Potts. And more recently Halliwells and City firm Manches flirted heavily but failed to seal the deal.

A disappointment expectant observers may have to get used to – a fifth of firms unsuccessfully tried to complete a merger in 2009, according to a survey by accountancy and financial services group Smith & Williamson.