Allen & Overy (A&O) managing partner David Morley has conceded the firm is open to the idea of securing a US merger, amid growing indications that the City giant’s US strategy is in a state of flux.

In a set-piece interview with Legal Week, Morley said the firm would look at a potential merger if A&O could find the right US suitor, while adding that, in the meantime, it has decided to grow its 30-partner New York office.