Ashursts London officeThe merger bid between Ashurst Morris Crisp and New York’s Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson is set to go to a key vote in March – amid mounting evidence that Ashursts will this time finally secure a major tie-up.

Partners at both firms have told Legal Week that the pair have stuck to a set talks timetable to secure a deal, which will require a vote ahead of Ashursts’ financial year end in March.