Edinburgh firm Brodies has publicly criticised rival firm Dundas & Wilson's decision to demerge from its private client department. Its statement suggests that Dundas & Wilson, which is in merger talks with the Andersens legal network, was forced into a demerger because of the talks. Brodies' statement reads: “Doubtless under pressure from their intended 'owners' at Arthur Andersen, the largest firm in Scotland will no longer provide any private client service.” However, Neil Cochran, chair of Dundas & Wilson, said the decision to demerge was amicable, strategic and based on the need to focus on clients. He denied the demerger was the result of pressure from Arthur Andersen.