Pillsbury, Shaw Pittman seal merger agreement

Last night Pillsbury Winthrop and Shaw Pittman finally confirmed their intention to merge.

The two firms have signed a letter of intent to merge. When the deal is completed the combined firm will have around 900 lawyers, spread over 16 offices with a combined turnover of more than $600m.

The merger is subject to approval by partners of both firms and a definitive merger agreement. The firms hope to conclude the merger by spring.

Pillsbury’s chair Mary Cranston will chair the merged firm with Shaw Pittman’s managing partner Stephen Huttler and Pillsbury’s former UK managing partner David Snyder serving as vice-chairs. Marina Park of Pillsbury will be firmwide managing partner.

The combination of the two firms’ London offices will create a small technology boutique of around 10 lawyers.