No Maclays-Addleshaws merger in prospect

No merger is in prospect between Maclay Murray & Spens and international law practice Addleshaw Goddard, according to reports today.

Last November The Lawyer magazine reported that agreement had been reached, to take effect on 1 May 2016, subject to a partnership vote. The word today however is that talks have broken down.

Maclay Murray & Spens has confirmed that it is "not in any such ongoing discussions with any firm at the moment". It remains committed to growth through lateral hires, strategic acquisitions or mergers. 

Several leading Scottish firms have merged with larger UK or international practices in recent years, most recently Simpson & Marwick with Clyde & Co, leading some to question the future direction of the profession in Scotland.