Reed Smith has renamed its European and Middle Eastern operations as the
US firm consolidates after a spate of merger deals.
Reed Smith Richards Butler and Reed Smith Rambaud Charot – the firm’s UK and French operations – will practise simply as Reed Smith from 1 May. The firm had also previously operated as Reed Smith Richards Butler in the Middle East.
Due to regulatory issues, the firm’s Hong Kong operation will continue to practise as Richards Butler in association with Reed Smith.
Roger Parker, Europe and Middle East managing partner (pictured), commented: “Under the terms of the Reed Smith Richards Butler merger we committed to making this transition by January 2009. Our decision to take this logical step early is indicative of how well the merger has gone.”
He added: “I believe that our clients and the market are expecting this change and understand it. It makes perfect business sense and will make it much easier to promote our international business across three different continents.”
Global managing partner Gregory Jordan added: “Unifying our brand name to Reed Smith strengthens our position as an international, relationship-driven supplier of high-quality legal services. As the international nature of our business accelerates, the importance of a single integrated platform grows, both in terms of perception and performance.”
The Pittsburg-based firm merged with mid-tier City outfit Richards Butler in 2006, having opened in Paris the year before after hiring a team from local firm Rambaud Martel, including partners Mathieu Rambaud and Benoit Charot.
Last year the expansive firm also secured a merger with Chicago outfit Sachnoff & Weaver.
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