Clyde & Co has merged with 30-lawyer French insurance specialist Honig Preel Mettetal Buffat Coulon (HPMBC) in the first international merger yet secured by the London firm.

The new firm, named locally as HPMBC Clyde & Co, officially integrated on 1 May, with HPMBC’s Gerard Honig becoming the combined firm’s French senior partner. Clyde & Co will retain its name outside France.