After months of speculation, Willkie Farr & Gallagher and Dickson Minto have announced that they have formed a strategic alliance.
The Anglo-Scots boutique and New York's Willkie Farr are to bolster their relationship in order to strengthen Willkie's presence in London, as well as tapping into Dickson Minto's U.K. private equity expertise.
The alliance will open up more opportunities for Dickson Minto further afield in the U.S. and Europe. As part of the alliance, both firms will operate with total independence from each other.
Willkie's global network consists of eight offices, including London, Paris and Frankfurt, housing a total of 650 lawyers. Minto was set up in 1985 by Alistair Dickson and Bruce Minto. The firm has offices in London and Edinburgh.
Willkie Chairman Jack Nusbaum commented: "We are especially pleased to have found in Dickson Minto a partner that represents the very best of what we wish to offer to our clients in our mutual areas of expertise."
Dickson Minto senior partner Dickson added: "We have had a long relationship with and have a very high regard for Willkie Farr. We are delighted to have been able to make this alliance."
The two firms have had an informal relationship for some time, with both firms carrying out work for BC Capital Partners. In particular, the Willkie Farr's Paris office has had a longstanding relationship with many Minto lawyers.
