National US law firms Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton have postponed their agreed merger to July 1 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes in the same week that the leaders of Faegre Drinker praised their staff for their response to a crisis that erupted just days after the merger between Faegre Baker and Drinker Biddle went live.
Timing proved crucial for the two sets of law firms, whose deals were announced either side of the New Year.
The merger between Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton was announced in January and was due to go live on April 1, creating Troutman Pepper.
However, in a joint statement the firms said they had decided to put back the combination, which will create a 23-office firm with 1,100 lawyers.
“In light of the rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton will postpone our merger date to July 1, 2020,” the firms said in a joint statement.
“While we are well-positioned to execute the combination on April 1, we believe the decision to postpone is in the best interest of our attorneys, staff, and clients.
“Postponing the merger will allow our attorneys to remain focused on excellent client care and will allow all our people to prioritise the health and safety of their families and themselves at this difficult time.”
Full Content: Global Legal Post
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