City practices Wedlake Bell and Moon Beever have announced a merger to take effect from 12 July. The deal will create a top-100 firm of more than 70 partners - 60 from Wedlake Bell and 11 from Moon Beever - and a total complement of 217 lawyers. 

Francescoulson

Moon Beever managing partner Frances Coulson

Frances Coulson, managing partner of Moon Beever, said: 'Wedlake Bell and Moon Beever are a strong cultural fit and this merger will allow both firms to enhance the strength and depth of the services that our clients require.'

Martin Arnold, managing partner of Wedlake Bell, added: 'The merged firm will enable us to enhance the offering to our clients in some of our core business areas – notably insolvency and restructuring, disputes, commercial property and private client. Clients will be able to access the full range of high-quality legal advice and services and the growth of our contentious practice, in particular, continues to future proof against a challenging and fast moving economic and operational environment.'