Martineau Johnson/ Mills & Reeve merger off

After months of intensive talks, the 53-partner firm Mills & Reeve - which has offices in Cambridge, Birmingham, Cardiff and Norwich - and 34-partner Birmingham based Martineau Johnson decided there was "insufficient synergy" between the two to make a merger possible.

Martineau's managing partner, David Gwyther says: "There is a good deal of mutual respect between the two firms and we will remain good friends. However, we have decided we want to continue to focus our efforts developing our existing business independently."

Duncan Ogilvy, Mills & Reeve's managing partner comments: "Mergers are very time consuming affairs and can detract resources away from existing clients and markets. Both firms are very successful as independent entities and are not lacking in opportunities to pursue."