Pictured: Managing partner, Bill Barker with head of the
firm's London office Emma Shipp
Martineau and Sprecher Grier Halberstam (SGH) have announced a
merger, following months of discussion between the two law firms,
to create a new business - SGH Martineau LLP.
The amalgamation of Birmingham and London law firm Martineau and
city-based SGH has created a top 70 UK firm with more than 200
fee-earners and a turnover in excess of £30 million.
The evolved business offers strength-in-depth across all
practice areas, with a strong presence in both Birmingham and
London. The merger will allow the new business to build on the
strong reputations each firm has developed in the UK and overseas,
through a partner-led, proactive approach to the delivery of legal
services.
Martineau has an enviable reputation in many sectors, including
energy; banking; investment funds; education; private wealth;
industry and manufacturing. The strength of SGH lies in
restructuring and insolvency, services to lenders, innovative debt
recovery work and extensive expertise in the brewery and leisure
sector. Together, the new business will be well placed to attract
new clients whilst delivering an improved offering to existing
ones.
Martineau managing partner, Bill Barker, will continue in this
role for the new firm, with Andrew Whitehead as senior partner. SGH
managing partner Emma Shipp and head of litigation, David Bailey,
will join the executive board to help drive growth and ensure the
smooth integration of the two businesses.
Emma Shipp comments: "We're very similar in our outlook and
ambitions, which will no doubt help as we embark on the process to
become one. I'm sure this merger offers even greater opportunities
for us both and Bill and I share excitement in anticipating the
coming months and years. This merger will add even greater depth to
the high quality service both firms already provide and offer real
benefits to clients."
Bill Barker adds: "We're delighted to confirm that the merger
has now taken place. Martineau and SGH are a complementary fit,
sharing the same vision and commitment to excellent client service
and as Emma said, we're looking forward to seeing what the future
will bring. We're confident that both existing and new clients will
be able to take full advantage of the new capabilities offered by
SGH Martineau LLP."