header-logo header-logo

Merging brands or branding mergers?

16 December 2016 / Dominic Zammit
Issue: 7727 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail
nlj_7727_zanmmit

Dominic Zammit provides a guide to how to successfully brand a merger

Mergers present an opportunity to shake up the market and change the status quo. The most successful will create a fresh proposition that doesn’t just bind the heritage of the partners but lifts them in a new common purpose. But beware the risks of compromise.

The partners of CMS UK, Nabarro and Olswang have voted overwhelmingly to combine their firms to create a new City powerhouse that will become the world’s sixth largest law firm. Scale brings its own benefits in terms of brand awareness. But what does it mean for clients? According to the official press release, the merger will “create a modern firm that is uniquely positioned to provide clients with a distinctive offering driven by technology and sector expertise, underpinned by deep experience and heritage”.

Focusing on heritage with a nod to the future through technology, it’s steadfast, comfortable, covers all bases. The question is: have they been radical enough?

For some, mergers present a branding nightmare; for

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

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

Quinn Emanuel—James McSweeney

London promotion underscores firm’s investment in white collar and investigations

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Ward Hadaway—Louise Miller

Private client team strengthened by partner appointment

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In NLJ this week, Ian Smith, emeritus professor at UEA, explores major developments in employment law from the Supreme Court and appellate courts
Writing in NLJ this week, Kamran Rehman and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper examine Operafund Eco-Invest SICAV plc v Spain, where the Commercial Court held that ICSID and Energy Charter Treaty awards cannot be assigned
back-to-top-scroll