Kendall Freeman goes live with US merger

London-based firm Kendall Freeman has successfully completed its merger with US firm Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge (EAPD) it was announced today (2 January).

Kendall Freeman, as The Lawyer exclusively revealed (30 October 2007), has now been rebadged EAPD UK, though the old name will run concurrently for at least six months.

The Boston-based US firm has 10 offices and brought in revenues of $305m (£153m) last year with average profit per equity partner of $740,000 (£371,000). Kendall Freeman's 39 lawyers recorded a turnover of £15.3m.

Kendall Freeman's senior partner David Kendall has taken up the post as co-chair of the merged firm's insurance and reinsurance department alongside EAPD's Alan Levin.

The London firm's managing partner Laurence Harris will serve as partner-in-charge of the firm's London office. Both Kendall and Harris will join EAPD's executive committee.

Kendall said that the merger was a great start to the new year. "The combination is providing our clients an unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in the global insurance market," he added: "This is a win win situation, for the firm and our clients."

Kendall Freeman was formed in 2003 when 13 partners broke away from DJ Freeman to join Olswang.