CMS allies close to Moscow merger deal

The CMS network is close to reaching an agreement over a plan to merge the Moscow offices of CMS Cameron McKenna with its French and German allies.

The plan would see the lawyers from Camerons unite with those from CMS Bureau Francis Lefebvre and CMS Hasche Sigle. The trio are set to sign an agreement on the venture within weeks, following a partner vote.

Hasche Sigle’s John Hammond will be managing partner of the operation, seeing off competition from Camerons’ Moscow head David Cranfield and Bureau Francis Lefebvre partner Jean-Francois Marquaire, who will sit on the
management board. It is understood that ownership of the venture will be divided equally between the three firms.

However, Camerons will take home a greater profit share, of around 50 per cent, reflecting the larger number of partners it contributes to the office.