The tie-up, which goes live from 1 January, 2008, will see Kendall Freeman ditch its own name and come under the Edwards Angell banner after an 18-month handover period.
The deal will aim to capitalise on the firms’ shared strengths in dispute resolution, including class actions, insurance and reinsurance work.
Under the terms of the merger, Kendall Freeman managing partner Laurence Harris will become
Commenting on the tie-up,
Harris added: “We have all been struck by how similar our approaches and cultures are. Over the years our size and specialisms have made us a natural target for other firms to talk to [but] none were as good a business fit as Edwards Angell.”
Boston-based Edwards Angell currently has in excess of 400 lawyers and last year posted revenues of $305m (£149m), with average profits per equity partner reaching $740,000 (£361,000).
Kendall Freeman was formed four years ago after a 13-partner team defected from the legacy DJ Freeman to join top 30 City firm Olswang. The remaining partners subsequently rebranded the firm as Kendall Freeman, with a renewed focus on commercial and litigation work.
Talkback: Marriage made in heaven or recipe for disaster? Click here to have your say.
