London corporate firm Macfarlanes outperformed the magic circle in 2014/15, posting the highest partner profits of any City outfit so far this year.

Profit per equity partner soared 29.6% on 2013/14 to £1.55m, on income up 14.2% to £159.6m.

Net profits were £81.7m, an increase of 26.4%.

Macfarlanes, which has 83 partners and more than 180 solicitors among some 350 lawyers, is notable for never having merged in its 140-year history. The firm, which has just one office off Chancery Lane, was aided this year by its relative immunity from currency movements.