Member Article

HowardKennedyFSI confirm delayed merger

A delayed merger between London-based solicitors Howard Kennedy and Finers Stephens Innocent (FSI) has been finalised.

The £45m deal was postponed for three months after the two companies had difficulties bringing their back office facilities together.

Newly named as HowardKennedyFSI, the firm will target entrepreneurs and their funders, businesses, families and wealthy individuals.

According to the firm’s website, the merger will provide stability for its employees and a stronger platform to advise clients.

HowardKennedyFSI added that its potential for growth has been maximised through the deal, with a strengthened and bigger team of lawyers.

With more than 350 staff, including over 80 law partners, the merged company hopes to spread operations across three existing London offices until a suitable premises is found to bring all its employees under one roof.

Current operations draw 25% of revenue from outside the UK, most significantly from the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Far East, Western Europe and the U.S.

Mark Dembovsky, who joined Howard Kennedy in 2011, will act as chief executive, while FSI’s former managing partner, Paul Millett will take the position of non-executive chairman.

Mr Dembovsky commented: “This is an exciting time for all at HowardKennedyFsi. It is fantastic that the merger is now live; we have been working very closely together over the past few months with many integration processes already underway.

“A number of staff have already been relocated to sit with their colleagues and number of cases have been cross referred between the two firms.

“We look forward to all working more closely together and building something very special in HowardKennedyFsi.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .