KLegal and McGrigor unite to broaden their horizons

Merger: three associated law firms with 71 partners formed

City firm KLegal, the associated practice of Big Five accountants KPMG, and top Scottish practice McGrigor Donald have finally merged.After a lengthy consultation process, during which two McGrigor partners left the firm, the merger has been completed three months late to form three associated law firms - all members of KLegal International - with a total of 71 partners.The London offices of the two practices have joined to form a 30-partner firm that will trade as KLegal, while the Scottish and Northern Irish branches of McGrigor Donald will retain their names.McGrigor chairman Neil Scott - and chairman of KLegal 'once all the formalities are in place' - said: 'The merger presented us with a chance to establish a large mass in London and develop a number of connections through the KLegal International network.

We have a number of young lawyers who will relish the chance to work on international transactions and travel and work abroad.'Mr Scott would not comment on speculation of disquiet among McGrigor's staff relating to loss of benefits and the position of salaried partners.

'We embarked on an extensive harmonisation process and constantly asked staff for their views,' he said.

'Everyone is now happy and everything has been sorted out.'Nick Holt, managing partner at KLegal, which contributes 19 partners to the London firm, said: 'Both firms saw the opportunity to build something on a greater scale.

This move now gives us strength in depth across the UK and the firepower to take advantage of what KPMG represents.'He added that despite the regulatory barriers between Scottish and English practices 'we will try to operate like a single law firm as much as possible'.Andrew Towler