Happy new year. 

Entering each new calendar year, it’s a tradition here that we write a piece about the things our readers may have missed over the festive period. But I’m not convinced that anyone did miss the big story that emerged: Hogan Lovells’ merger talks with Shearman & Sterling. Both our news story and our subsequent market analysis on the affair were mega hits with our readers. But just in case you need a recap, here’s what we know so far…