Truman Hoyle has announced a cooperation agreement with London-based Bird & Bird which may become the precursor to a full merger. The move will see the two firms pursue their common strengths, notably in the technology, telecommunications and media space.  Truman Hoyle will also be able to leverage Bird & Bird’s international network, which includes offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore.

The alliance will be exclusive, although exceptions will be made according to client preference and where the required skills or locations are not available between the two firms. Truman Hoyle managing partner Shane Barber told ALB that there was a “common intention between the  firms to pursue a merger down the track” but this would only occur at a “sensible time and without the pressure of arbitrary deadlines.”  The Truman Hoyle brand will remain in use for the time being and there will be no further transitional steps towards a merger, such as Blake Dawson’s anticipatory rebranding.

“We are delighted to be formalising our relationship with Bird & Bird and know that our clients will benefit from the international resources now available to them,”  said Barber.
.