Global powers Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft have announced what they claim is the largest law firm merger in history.

Following a partner vote, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader will launch on 1 July combining Wall Street’s oldest firm with one of the largest firms in the world.

The combined outfit will have annual turnover of £2.6bn and around 3,100 lawyers across the Americas, Europe and Asia, making it among the top firms globally by revenue and size.

‘We are creating a firm like no other, with the expertise to advise clients on their most complex work across the G20,’ said Hogan Lovells chief executive Miguel Zaldivar, who will have the same role with Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.

‘We have been on the road over the past few months speaking with clients, partners, associates, and business teams – and these conversations have emphatically affirmed the strategic thinking that inspired this combination. We see strong opportunities for growth, and clients have expressed enthusiasm and excitement for the combined firm’s expanded reach and depth.’

Cadwalader was founded more than 230 years ago and was the first Wall Street firm to open an office in Charlotte. It also operates from London, Washington and Dublin. Hogan Lovells has more than 50 offices across the world including 12 in the USA alone.

Wesley Misson, the Cadwalader co-managing partner, said clients have said they want integrated teams that can collaborate across practices and offices, adding: ‘This is particularly true for those executing complex financing and transactional work along the New York-London corridor – a major opportunity for Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.’

The firm will be led by partners from both firms: Cadwalader partners will serve on the combined firm’s 21-member international management committee, and two will join a 13-seat board upon completion of the combination. Hogan Lovells’ leadership will remain in place at the combined firm.