Middletons has agreed to merge with Perth-based firms Franklyn Legal and Salter Power. The move comes as the Sydney- and Melbourne-based firm saw an increasing need for a Perth base to advise Western Australian clients.
Middletons managing partner Nick Nichola said Franklyn Legal was an attractive target since it specialises in private equity and M&A work, while Salter Power was a diverse firm specialising in corporate and litigation for ASX-listed miners.
"Originally when I came to the Perth market, I wasn't looking to merge with two firms, but there was more than one firm that met my requirements and I thought: why not talk to both of them for a three-way merger?" he said.
Nichola said no money has exchanged hands as part of the merger, however, both firms are keen to join Middletons, because it would give them the resources of a national firm, and better access to other states.
He said the firms offer high-calibre staff, pointing to Franklyn partners Robert Franklyn and Russell Phillip who used to work for Freehills, and Christian Owen, formerly of Clayton Utz. Some Salter Power partners previously worked for Jackson McDonald and UK-based firms, according to Nichola.
The merger will take effect on 1 December 2008 and see Middletons' staff increase to 57 partners and 240 lawyers. The firm also plans to undertake significant recruitment at a junior and "five year plus" level.
"For now, the focus will be to get the integration right between the Melbourne, Sydney and Perth offices, through allowing lawyers to visit and get to know each other," he said.