A 1,500-lawyer firm combining City practice Berwin Leighton Paisner and US-based Bryan Cave could be created later this month with partners at both firms set to vote on the combination.

The two firms have been in discussions over a potential merger since last year and plans are understood to be close to a formal decision.

A spokesperson for BLP told the Gazette: ‘BLP and Bryan Cave confirm that a proposal to combine the two firms will be voted upon by both partnerships with an outcome expected the week of 26 February 2018. No further comment will be made until the vote is finalised.’

If the merger goes ahead, it will create a 1,500-lawyer firm with more than 30 offices.

Other recent transatlantic deals include Eversheds’ combination with US firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan to create Eversheds Sutherland and Bond Dickinson’s tie-up with US-based Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice.