Manchester-based finance and banking law specialists berg has absorbed into global outfit Kennedys, both firms announced today. Staff at berg will move to Kennedys’ Manchester office on 1 October and will operate under the Kennedys name.

The firms announced the combination earlier this year.

Reuben Berg, berg’s founder along with former chief executive Alison Loveday, will join Kennedys as partners. Berg said: ‘Having established berg as one of the leading commercial litigation firms in the UK, we are excited and looking forward to working as part of a global infrastructure that provides exceptional advice and service to its clients, without compromising our imaginative approach.’

Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, added: ‘This has been a strategic growth area for Kennedys and we are very pleased to be further growing our presence in the north west with a distinctive commercial offering.’

Berg, founded in 1980, rose to prominence as one of the first firms to challenge banks over mis-sold derivatives. Successful cases include the settlement for a couple who were allegedly mis-sold financial insurance products by RBS.

In its latest financial results top-30 firm Kennedys, which merged with US-based insurance specialist Carroll, McNulty & Kull earlier this year, reported revenue growth of 8% from £138.8 million to £149.9m.