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Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling Announce Merger to Create Allen Overy Shearman Sterling

Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling Announce Merger to Create Allen Overy Shearman Sterling

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On May 21, 2023, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling announced they are merging into a fully integrated firm: Allen Overy Shearman Sterling – A&O Shearman for short.

Globally, A&O Shearman will have approximately 3,900 lawyers and approximately 800 Partners across 49 offices. In CEE, A&O is the only one present with offices in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Turkey (through its association with Gedik & Eraksoy). The firm also had a presence in Romania (through its association with RTPR, which ceased in March 2020) and in Russia (with the office winding down following Russia's invasion of Ukraine).

“This combination of two great firms is such an exciting step for us," Allen & Overy Senior Partner Wim Dejonghe commented. "Both firms have a history of excellence, and together we think A&O Shearman will be a firm unlike any other in the world.

"Client need for global elite firms has never been greater," Shearman & Sterling Senior Partner Adam Hakki added. "They are calling for integrated global legal solutions and advice: merging with Allen & Overy will dramatically accelerate our ability to meet their needs in an increasingly complex environment."

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is advising Allen & Overy and Davis Polk & Wardwell is advising Shearman & Sterling on the merger.

Editor's Note: On October 13, 2023, A&O Senior Partner Wim Dejonghe announced that the partnerships of both Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling had voted in favor of merging to create A&O Shearman, "with a 99%+ majority in both firms."

"This is a historic moment for both firms and our profession," Dejonghe commented. "We are delighted that our partners have voted so resoundingly in favor of this merger, which is a transformational step for the legal industry."

 

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PRK Partners, one of the leading Central European law firms, has been helping clients achieve their business objectives almost 30 years. Our team of lawyers, based in our Prague, Ostrava, and Bratislava offices, has a unique knowledge of Czech and Slovak law and of the business environment. Our lawyers studied at top law schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland and elsewhere. They also have experience working for leading international and domestic law firms in a number of jurisdictions. We speak your language, too. Our legal team is fluent in more than 15 languages, including all the key languages of the region.

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Our legal advice delivers tangible results – as proven by our strong track record. We are the only Czech member firm of Lex Mundi, the world's leading network of independent law firms. As one of the leading law firms in the region, we have received many national and international awards, in some cases several years in a row. Honours include the Chambers Europe Award for Excellence, The Lawyer and Czech and Slovak Law Firm of the Year. Thanks to our close cooperation with leading international law firms and strong local players, we can serve clients in multiple jurisdictions around the globe. Our strong network means that we can meet your needs, wherever you do business.

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