The process of City firm consolidation - largely dormant since the pandemic - seems set to resume with the announcement of merger talks between two top-100 firms. Transatlantic firm Womble Bond Dickinson and City firm BDB Pitmans revealed today that they are in ‘early discussions around a potential merger’.

Womble is by far the larger of the two, with revenues of around £380m and a place just inside the top 20. It was created in 2017 by the merger of UK firm Bond Dickinson with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, founded in North Carolina in 1876. 

Womble Bond Dickinson office sign

Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans have confirmed they are in 'early discussions'

Source: Alamy

BDB Pitmans was formed in 2018 following the merger of Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB) and Pitmans Law. It has offices in London, Reading, Cambridge and Southampton and revenues of more than £50m. 

In a statement today, the firms said: 'Both firms regularly review opportunities to advance the best interests of their clients and their respective firms. Womble Bond Dickinson and BDB Pitmans are focused on where they see the greatest opportunities for a merged business, including those offered by complementary practice areas and office locations.'