Penningtons believed to be in talks with partners

CITY and Home Counties practice Penningtons is believed to be in talks over the future of one of its offices.

The firm will not confirm that it is holding the talks with partners from its Bournemouth office but a decision is expected to be reached this week.

The talks are thought to centre around the possibility of a demerger.

The eight-partner Bourne-mouth office, which became part of Penningtons after its merger with Ward Bowie in 1986, is home to the firm's renowned licensing practice. Licensing accounts for about 3.5 per cent of the firm's work. Bournemouth also handles planning and leisure-related work.

Penningtons managing partner David Stedman declines to confirm that any talks are under way. The Bournemouth partners have also refused to comment.