The KLegal group of firms has stepped up its efforts to distance itself from accountancy giant KPMG with changes in name and disbanding the international network.

The UK arm, which is currently known as KLegal in London and McGrigor Donald in Scotland, will be called McGrigors nationwide.

The name change follows the news in November that the firm would separate from KPMG owing to regulatory pressures in the US.

An informal network will replace KLegal International for an interim period, until discussions between member firms and KPMG - and KPMG and the US Securities and Exchange Commission - have established an appropriate formal structure to come together again.

With member firms discussing full regulatory independence with national KPMG practices, it is thought not to be the time to introduce a permanent structure for the international legal grouping.

KLegal International said the underlying relationships between the firms would remain, as would work for clients on cross-jurisdictional matters.

The new grouping will have a 'best friends' relationship with KPMG.

In London, McGrigors' head of real estate, Philip Burroughs, will head the operation after the departure of Nick Holt.

Rachel Rothwell