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DLA Sounds Out Fasken for Canada Tie-Up
Legal Week
November 14, 2008
DLA Piper is weighing up its options in Canada, in a move that could see the firm become one of the first major international players to agree a merger in the region.
The firm has held talks with Canadian heavyweight Fasken Martineau about a potential tie-up and is also considering a number of other options to gain a presence in Canada.
Alternative options include recruiting teams of lawyers to launch an independent office -- a tactic the Anglo-American firm has used in a number of international markets.
DLA Piper stressed that no decision has yet been taken but it is thought that the latest move is being driven from the U.S.
DLA Piper chief executive Nigel Knowles said: "We always look at firms we use and whether we should get closer. It is not a particularly big strategic issue; it is something more driven by the U.S."
A merger with Fasken would give DLA Piper access to around 700 lawyers across offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Quebec, New York and Johannesburg. It would also boost its London presence as Fasken merged with City boutique Stringer Saul in 2007.
Fasken managing partner David Corbett said the firm would be prepared to talk more openly in January.
He added: "We always look at opportunities and there are a number of opportunities in these economic times. Where there is a strong firm like ourselves, others are interested in associating with us. Our economic foundation is strong and, as a result, we have had a number of inquiries."
One London managing partner with a U.S. firm, said: "Any move that sees the joining together of an international law firm with a major Canadian practice has to be a sensible move forward providing the synergies fit."
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