Birmingham firm Shakespeare Putsman and Nottingham firm Berryman will merge to create a Midlands practice with £30m in combined turnover.

The firm will employ 440 people across the East and West Midlands.

Shakespeare Putsman merged with Stratford firm Needham & James in July.

Shakespeare Putsman chief executive Paul Wilson said: ‘The economic climate and Legal Services Act has made the legal market place increasingly complex and competitive. By merging, the two firms cement their position in the Midlands legal market place. As an ambitious, growing firm, this merger will take us a step closer to establishing a leading Midlands legal firm. The merger also creates the platform for major investment in our people, infrastructure and branding.

‘As a combined firm we aim to retain and hire the best Midlands talent.’