Swedish firm drops Cameron McKenna to join Ernst & Young

The merger between CMS Tisell and Ernst & Young Sweden AB will result in a 160-lawyer practice - one of the biggest legal practices in Sweden.

Thirteen partners and around 20 staff will join E&Y from 1 January 2000. Its principal offices will be in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmoe, Vaxjo, Karlstad and Uppsala.

In line with Swedish regulations, Tisell's lawyer will cease to be members of the Swedish Bar.

E&Y says that this is the first time a major Swedish law firm has merged with a global professional services firm.

Steve Ribbestam, president of E&Y Sweden AB says: "We are now a major player in the Swedish legal market. This merger is driven by a dynamic market and an increasing demand for specialist legal skills and global presence."

Olle Widell, president of CMS Tisell says: "Our goal is to lead the structural transformation of the business law sector in Sweden. An important key to our success is the ability to supply an integrated service within fields such as tax and business law using Ernst & Young's global brand."