Potential William Fry – Eversheds merger called off
Merger talks had been underway since late last year and a likely deal had been well flagged. However, it is understood the commercial terms could not be agreed following a due diligence process.
The firms confirmed the deal was off.
'Eversheds Sutherland Ireland and William Fry have been in exploratory discussions regarding a possible combination. After careful consideration, we have agreed that the interests of our respective firms are best served by remaining separate. Both firms will continue to focus on their individual strategic growth priorities,' they said.
A merger would have pushed the combined firm into the top five Irish law firms by size, with a combined 323 practicing solicitors, according to Law Society figures for 2024.
William Fry is a mainstay of the top tier of Irish corporate law firms, but its relatively small size at 216 solicitors compared to Matheson and A&L Goodbody with 371 solicitors each in 2024.
Consolidation in the legal sector in recent years has included cross-border mergers such as UK-based professional services firm Davies' acquisition of Dublin-based law firm O'Brien Lynam Solicitors (OBL) to add to its legal arm, Keoghs.
But domestic mergers are also continuing. Law firms ByrneWallace and LK Shields agreed to merge last year to create Byrne Wallace Flynn O'Driscoll announced a merger with Vincent & Beatty.
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