Agreement with Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP Expands International Reach of McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods LLP announced today that it has signed a formal agreement to combine with the London-based international law firm of Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP (GMR). The agreement is expected to become final May 1, 2009, subject to the necessary approvals of both firms’ partners. The London practice will operate under the McGuireWoods name.
Today’s announcement greatly enhances McGuireWoods’ international capabilities, and allows the firm to better serve clients with matters requiring an international presence, including corporate and financial transactional work, as well as litigation and wealth management matters. In addition, this combination will allow the firm to offer GMR’s existing international client base its capabilities to handle matters throughout the United States and in the other countries where McGuireWoods has offices. McGuireWoods’ clients will also have access to GMR’s international network.
Once the transaction is complete, the 36 attorneys and all other staff of GMR will become McGuireWoods LLP. Anders Grundberg, senior partner and founder of GMR, will assume the title of managing partner of the McGuireWoods London office, and under the terms of the agreement, McGuireWoods will expand its Board of Partners to include Robert Rakison, a partner with GMR. In addition, select partners in London will become part of McGuireWoods’ committee structure. Former McGuireWoods managing partner Bill Strickland will divide his time between the London and Brussels offices; and Peter Covington, vice chairman of McGuireWoods, will relocate to London. In addition, Walter White, Jr. of GMR will head the emerging markets practice and maintain offices in London and Washington, D.C.
“This is a great day in the history of McGuireWoods,” said Richard Cullen, Chairman of McGuireWoods. “We have sought to expand our overseas reach with a London office for some time. We are very fortunate not only to gain as partners such a talented group of internationally respected attorneys, but also to join forces with a firm that shares our values.”
“We are delighted to partner with a strong and well-respected firm like McGuireWoods,” said Anders Grundberg, senior partner and founder of GMR. “We already work with lawyers at the firm on a number of matters, and with its excellent reputation for corporate, banking, litigation and private client work, we feel that this is the ideal time to combine our talents, not only to capitalize on existing opportunities in London and internationally, but also to prepare the groundwork for when the financial markets return to strength.”
McGuireWoods LLP is a full-service law firm with approximately 900 lawyers in 17 offices in the United States, Europe and Central Asia, providing legal counsel to clients around the world.
Grundberg Mocatta Rakison LLP is a London-based law firm that distinguishes itself by offering a partner-led service and the strength of its international relationships, particularly with the Nordic countries, Russia and the former Soviet Union, and the United States. Much of the firm’s practice involves cross-border mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, litigation and dispute resolution.