Stephenson HarwoodCity shipping specialist Sinclair Roche & Temperley has launched a bid to secure a merger with a larger London practice, with Stephenson Harwood this week emerging as the leading candidate.

Sinclair Roche is also understood to have spoken to Watson Farley & Williams and Holman Fenwick & Willan about a future link, although Stephenson Harwood is viewed as the most likely option.