Eversheds name switch hints at full integration

Eversheds has moved a step closer to integrating fully ;its ;international ­network ;after ;seeing ­member firms agree to put the Eversheds name ahead of their own in branding.

Krzysztof Wierzbowski, managing partner of Warsaw-based Wierzbowski Eversheds, which will now rebrand as Eversheds Wierzbowski, said firms had agreed to put Eversheds’ name first in a bid to demonstrate to clients that the associations are more than just a loose ­network.

“The rebranding, where it’s ;allowed ;by ;local ­regulations, is part of the network integrating its client services to provide the same level of service across the board,” said Wierzbowski. “Branding is one element of integration, but this ­doesn’t mean there will be financial integration at the moment.

“In our agreement we’ve said that we’d consider financial integration at the right moment, but it’s not the first step. Client services must come first. As we’ve seen with other firms that integrate finances, they’ve had many problems.”

The rebranding comes as Eversheds International brings its global marketing and public relations under one roof, coordinated from London as opposed to doing so on a firm-by-firm basis.