header-logo header-logo

Merger problems

28 June 2007 / Nick Pointon , Mark Langley-sowter
Issue: 7279 / Categories: Features , Insurance / reinsurance
printer mail-detail

Contact your broker early if you are considering a merger this year, say Nick Pointon and Mark Langley-Sowter

The post Clementi era has brought with it an increased number of mergers, with numerous high street  practices looking to purchase or merge with their local competitors. In the rush to merge and expand, however, many firms leave the insurance aspect of the deal too late, ignoring warnings that due diligence should include a full investigation of claims records to avoid rocketing professional indemnity premiums.

Insurance brokers need to be notified about any potential mergers before a deal is done, as mergers and acquisitions often create numerous problems for staff and management alike.

Most common is the clash of two or more cultures that inhibits a smooth transition from the outset and can cause some client dissatisfaction in the short term. Re-branding also has an internal implication, which is often missed in the rush to integrate and reduce costs after a takeover. Too often, firms merge with scant regard about the effect of relationships and

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Chronic delays, duplication of work, cancelled hearings and inefficiencies in the family law courts are letting children and victims of domestic abuse down, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry has found
Ceri Morgan, knowledge counsel at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, analyses the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd, which reshapes the law of fiduciary relationships and common law bribery
The boundaries of media access in family law are scrutinised by Nicholas Dobson in NLJ this week
Reflecting on personal experience, Professor Graham Zellick KC, Senior Master of the Bench and former Reader of the Middle Temple, questions the unchecked power of parliamentary privilege
Geoff Dover, managing director at Heirloom Fair Legal, sets out a blueprint for ethical litigation funding in the wake of high-profile law firm collapses
back-to-top-scroll