Birmingham firms Shakespeares and Putsmans have sealed a merger deal, it was announced today (10 October), in a move that will create a new 50-partner practice.

The tie-up will create a top 80 law firm with around 50 partners and a combined turnover of £20m. The new firm, for which a name has yet to be agreed, will have a strong showing in the commercial, private client, personal injury and insurance markets.