Herbert Smith merges with Kramer Levin to boost Asia growth
Deal News | Nov 15, 2024 | EIN
Anglo-Australian law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has announced plans to merge with New York-based Kramer Levin to form a merged entity named Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. The proposed merger aims to bolster HSF's US practice and leverage this for expansion in Asia, focusing on expertise sectors like energy and technology. HSF currently operates in China through multiple offices and has joint partnerships with regional law firms, maintaining a strong presence in Asia. The merger emphasizes growing key practice areas globally, including private capital and M&A, strengthening capabilities to meet clients’ demands in the US and Asia. The deal remains subject to partner votes but represents a strategic move to enhance integrated legal expertise and cater to increasingly global market demands.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Energy
- Technology
Geography
- United States – Both Herbert Smith Freehills' and Kramer Levin's operations are focusing on expanding their US presence.
- Asia – The merger is intended to facilitate growth and expansion in Asia, particularly in legal sectors such as technology and energy.
- China – HSF has an established presence in China, and the merger aims to enhance service delivery to Chinese clients.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article discusses a merger between two law firms, focusing on expanding legal practice areas and expertise.
- Energy – One of the sectors targeted for expansion post-merger is energy, indicating its importance to both firms' strategies.
- Technology – The merger aims to build expertise in the technology sector, showcasing this industry as a strategic focus for growth.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbert Smith Freehills | Target | Company | An Anglo-Australian law firm that plans to merge with Kramer Levin for global expansion. |
| Kramer Levin | Bidding Company | Company | A New York-based law firm that is merging with Herbert Smith Freehills. |
| Graeme Preston | HSF's Asia Managing Partner | Person | Discusses the strategic plan for leveraging the merger to expand in Asia. |
| Justin D’Agostino | Global CEO of HSF | Person | Oversees HSF's operations globally from bases in Hong Kong and London. |
| Paul Schoeman | Co-managing Partner of Kramer Levin | Person | Leads the firm's white-collar defense and investigations practice. |
| Howard Spilko | Co-managing Partner of Kramer Levin | Person | Leads the firm's M&A and joint ventures practice. |