Watson Burton planning for growth after merger

2:15pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

LAW firm Watson Burton has merged with a worldrenowned commercial and technology practice.

The deal with Trevor Robinson and Co has been hailed as a huge step for the Newcastlebased legal firm, which provides "huge opportunities" for growth, both in the North- East, and its other offices in the City of London and Leeds.

Trevor Robinson, of Weybridge, Surrey, acts for major technology clients including SAP, Panasonic, Petrobras, Cryolife and the Northern Trust Company. Business software company SAP has been a client for more than 14 years and Petrobras, the world's sixth largest oil company, for more than 25.

Trevor Robinson and Co revealed it had been courted by a number of US legal firms for a merger deal, but chose Watson Burton because of its UK strength.

Gillian Hall, chairwoman of Watson Burton's strategy board, negotiated the deal with chief executive Patrick Harwood, and said she was delighted with the merger.

"Our three offices in Newcastle, Leeds and London give us national coverage and huge opportunities to take the firm on to the next stage of its development,"

she said.

"The merger with Trevor Robinson and Co is a prime example.

"It is an internationally successful commercial and technology practice with a hugely impressive client base.

"They chose to merge with us because they see strong synergies between our practices and the opportunities they offer.

"They liked our similar approach to service delivery and our forward-thinking management structure, which sets us apart from other law firms."

Trevor Robinson said: "This is an incredibly important step in our 29-year history.

"We have been courted by a number of firms, including a couple of US heavyweights, but Watson Burton's approach, reputation and complementary expertise matched our own business aims.

"We are hugely excited about what comes next."

Partner Ann Lewin will head Watson Burton's national specialist technology group, building on a track record that includes involvement in software development, supply and implementation, software streaming, outsourcing and the digital television arena.

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