In brief: Manchester firms decide to tie the knot

Four-partner Manchester firm Hammelburger Marks is to merge with 12-partner Kuit Steinart Levy. The new practice will have 80 fee earners and will retain the Kuit name. Based in central Manchester, the new firm will have four principal departments: company law, property, taxation and litigation. Pictured above are (left) Jonathan Marks of Hammelburger Marks and (right) Bryan Bodek of Kuit Steinart Levy.