Shakespeares in merger talks with PI firm

Birmingham commercial firm Shakespeares is in merger talks with local practice Philip Baker & Co.

Philip Baker specialises in representing personal injury claimants.

A merger between the two would come as a surprise considering the increasing volatility in the PI market.

Several firms are understood to have considered off-loading their PI departments as fears grow of a squeeze on the market, following changes to the legal aid system.

Shakespeares' managing partner Andrew Argyle confirms that discussions are taking place. But both parties stress talks are at a preliminary stage.

Tim Baker, senior partner at Philip Baker, is hopeful that the talks will be successful. "I'm anticipating that [a decision] will be [made] in the next two to three weeks," he says.

If the merger takes place it is understood that Baker will either be employed as a consultant or leave practice altogether.

"I thought it was time to get out of the law," he says.

Philip Baker has four partners and four additional fee earners.