Dentons boosts first-half revenues by 3.5% to reach £87.7m

Denton Wilde Sapte has shaken off the impact of the downturn to increase revenues by 3.5% during the first half of 2009-10.

The top 20 City firm recorded fee income of £87.7m for the six-month period, up from last year's figure of £84.7m.

Dentons attributed the growth during the first half of the financial year to its international offices, which brought in 32% of total fee income over the period, with the UK also seeing higher activity levels than this time last year.

Chief executive Howard Morris (pictured) told Legal Week that the firm's banking practice had had its best year ever, while the firm's technology, media and telecoms practice saw a 25% increase in work levels on last year. The firm's restructuring practice also contributed to the growth in revenue after landing roles on the administrations of companies such as Tootsies and sports broadcaster Setanta.

Commenting on the results chief executive Howard Morris said: "The half-year results have met our expectations, which is very pleasing. The effects of the recession are still being felt in several offices and practice areas, but we are confident that there will be strong performances in several areas in the next six months."

Last year Dentons saw revenues grow by 6% at the half-year point, with the firm going on to increase turnover in 2008-09 as a whole by 3.3% to £169.8m. However, profits per equity partner dropped by 36% to £300,000, with the fall taking into account £3.5m of restructuring costs.

This year's half-year results are looking increasingly mixed, with firms such as Bird & Bird predicting double-digit growth in revenues, while others look likely to see turnover plummet by a similar figure. Earlier today Allen & Overy announced a 7% dip in turnover for the first half of the year.

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