Top-10 firm Norton Rose Fulbright is close to agreeing a merger with US-based international practice Chadbourne & Parke, according to reports.

Talks are reportedly in ‘advanced stages’ and a combination is expected to be announced shortly.

The tieup would create a firm well into the top ranks by turnover. Norton Rose’s turnover last year stood at £1.1bn; Chadbourne & Parke £198m. The combined firm would have around 4,000 lawyers with offices around the world.

A spokesperson for Chadbourne & Parke, said: 'We have been in discussions with Norton Rose Fulbright about a potential combination. A prospective union has the potential to enhance our capabilities and add tremendous value for the clients of both firms, but there are still a number of considerations left in this process, and it is premature to discuss these in any detail.'

A spokesperson for Norton Rose said: 'We believe that the combination would provide an even stronger global platform for our clients, who would also benefit from our compatibility in both practice and industry focus. We will make no further comment on this matter until discussions with our partnership have concluded.'

If it goes ahead it would be the latest in a string of merger deals.

Earlier this month, international firm Eversheds’ merger with US-based Sutherland Asbill & Brennan went live, creating a global firm with combined revenue of more than £600m.

The new firm, Eversheds Sutherland, has 2,300 lawyers in 29 countries and a turnover of around £240m. 

In October last year, partners at City firms CMS UK, Nabarro and Olswang voted in favour of a three-way merger.