Leading City aviation law firm Beaumont & Son this week signalled a move towards a possible merger with French firm Cabinet Garnault.

It comes as part of an internal shake-up following the departure of three partners - including joint senior partner Sean Gates - to form their own firm.

Neil McGilchrist, the other joint senior partner, has taken on the new role of chairman, and in a statement, the 20-partner firm cited a wish to 'strengthen the relationship' with the Paris-based practice as a reason for the creation of the post.

A spokesman for the firm said: 'Cabinet Garnault has indicated to us that they would like a closer relationship.

Merger would be one option which both parties would consider.'

He said there were unlikely to be any further developments inside six months.Mr Gates, who left in the summer, has opened the doors of a new three-partner aerospace, commercial and private equity practice called Gates & Partners (see [2003] Gazette, 13 November, 13).

Rachel Rothwell