Six days after Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe publicly acknowledge they were in “preliminary” merger talks, those talks are over, according to joint statement from the firms. “Orrick and Akin Gump have mutually agreed to conclude preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of a merger. The firms appreciated the opportunity to have the discussions, which confirmed their mutual respect for one another. However, the firms have determined not to proceed.”
In the past decade, Orrick has held talks with at least a half-dozen firms, most notably Dewey Ballantine in 2006. That potential mega-merger collapsed when star Dewey partners bolted and Orrick and Dewey could not resolve issues about pension plans and membership on key committees. — Zach Lowe
Proskauer Rose Elects New Chairman
