Withers links up with US firm to entice rich clients

City firm Withers is to merge with US private client specialists Bergman Horowitz & Reynolds to form what is being touted as the first international law firm dedicated to wealthy people and their businesses.The merged firm, with a turnover of 40 million and combining 47 of the 49 partners currently at Withers with all 15 at Bergmans, will be branded as Withers Bergman in the US and Withers throughout the rest of the world upon its formation on1 January 2002.

The firm, which will be headquarted in London and New York, is also to register as a limited liability partnership in the UK.Diana Parker, senior partner at Withers and chairwoman of the new firm, said: 'A significant proportion of our clients are now global citizens with links all over the world.

Above all they want one point of contact where their diverse multi-jurisdictional needs can be met.'Clients include more than 15% of Britain's wealthiest citizens and at least 10% of the 50 wealthiest families based in Europe with US connections, said various rich lists.Ms Parker continued: 'We will have US lawyers in London providing US advice in London time and vice versa in New York.

I believe that this move is the next logical step towards our strategic goal of being the advisor of choice to the globally wealthy.'Ms Parker said the merger had taken 18 months to complete as 'the two firms had to be sure that their cultures complimented each other'.The first new recruit to the practice will be Joe Field, currently head of international private client at US firm Bryan Cave.

He will join as a partner in the London office early next year.Andrew Towler