Shipping giant Holland & Knight has approached Stephenson Harwood about a possible merger as the Florida-based firm struggles to secure a London base.
Legal Week understands that the US firm has had preliminary discussions with Stephenson Harwood as part of its bid to secure a deal with a mid-tier London firm.
The two firms had several meetings in May and June, though Stephenson Harwood has indicated that its focus is currently on expanding its European presence.
A partner at Stephenson Harwood told Legal Week: “We have had discussions, but we are not intent on a merger. We don’t really know much about the firm.”
The move comes as Holland & Knight, which has 1,200 lawyers primarily in the US, is attempting to expand beyond its Florida base.
In May the firm merged with 30-lawyer New York firm Gilbert Segall, taking the size of its New York office to 130 lawyers.
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