Tripartite rumours increase

Managing partners of Cameron Markby Hewitt, McKenna & Co and Denton Hall went to ground last week as speculation grew that a vote on a tripartite merger was to take place this week.

All were unavailable to respond to The Lawyer's inquiries. Only McKennas senior partner Christopher Powell-Smith broke cover, to say "nothing was imminent".

Partners in all three firms have been ordered to keep silent, but the firms' respective spin doctors are careful not to deny the merger completely.

Some rival lawyers are convinced the merger will happen. They have dubbed the new practice McKameron Hall.