Regional firms DWF and Ricksons are set to merge, it was announced today (11 December), in a move that will create one of the largest commercial practices in the northwest.

Senior management at the two firms are currently in end-stage talks with a formal tie-up expected to go live from 1 January, 2007. The move will combine DWF’s Manchester and Liverpool operations with Ricksons’ offices in Manchester, Leeds and Preston.