Birketts strikes merger deal with Batchelors Solicitors amid forecasts of upcoming M&A boom November 28, 2022 UK law firm Birketts has struck a deal to merge with its London rival Batchelors Solicitors amid forecasts of a surge in consolidation in the UK’s legal sector. The deal will see the two firms join forces in a merger that is set to combine their long-standing social housing practices to create a market-leading team. [...]
Nexo sued by investors prevented from withdrawing £107m crypto holdings in full November 21, 2022 A family of fintech entrepreneurs are suing a leading crypto exchange over claims it blocked them from withdrawing funds and then intimidated them into selling them back to the company at a discount. The three crypto investors have filed a High Court lawsuit against London headquartered Nexo over claims it stopped them from withdrawing more [...]
City’s top legal minds sound alarm over impact of Raab’s Bill of Rights on businesses November 19, 2022 Some of the City’s brightest minds have expressed “considerable concern” about the unintended consequences of the Bill of Rights on businesses. Stephen Denyer, the Law Society’s director of strategic relationships, warned that there is a “widespread feeling amongst businesses that the Bill presents an unnecessary risk and problem”. The Bill of Rights will return to [...]
Lloyd’s of London to face £735m court battle over Dubai owned aircraft seized by Russia November 18, 2022 Lloyd’s of London is being sued for $875m (£735m) over its failure to pay out on a multi-million-dollar insurance claim filed over the Russian state’s decision to seize hundreds of planes this March. Airplane leaser Dubai Aerospace Enterprises Ltd (DAE) has filed a High Court claim against Lloyd’s seeking more than $875m from the insurer, [...]
EY split could undermine audit quality, former partners warn November 17, 2022 More than 150 former EY partners have written a letter to the accounting firm’s board, warning its plans to split in two could weaken both segments of the business and undermine EY’s audit quality. The ex-EY partners noted the firm’s new standalone audit business – AssureCo – will have “significantly lower” earnings than its advisory [...]
Former FCA risk manager fails to revive whistleblowing claim against UK’s financial watchdog November 17, 2022 A former risk manager at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has failed to revive his employment lawsuit against the City watchdog, after claiming he was pushed out of his job for whistleblowing. FCA exec Walker Sigismund claimed he was unfairly fired from his job over his decision to file 27 separate whistleblower reports, about [...]
UK law firms hit harder by global economic headwinds than US rivals November 17, 2022 Law firms worldwide have seen demand for their services slow over the first half of 2022, according to new research. US law firms are however seeing stronger growth than their British and Australian rivals, the research from Thomson Reuters shows. The situation has seen demand for US law firms’ services continue to grow over [...]
Mitie feels the pinch of covid-contract drop-off November 17, 2022 Outsourcing firm Mitie said a drop-off in high-margin Covid contracts had dented profits in the first half of the year despite new contract wins and price inflation helping lift revenues.
Zurich sets out more ambitious financial goals after posting highest profits since 2008 November 16, 2022 Zurich Insurance today vowed to “build a clear leadership position in the insurance industry” in pledging to pursue more ambitious financial targets over the next three years. The Swiss insurer said it is now aiming to grow its annual earnings per share at a rate of eight per cent each year over the period 2023-25. [...]
Clifford Chance to leave Canary Wharf HQ for new City offices November 16, 2022 Clifford Chance is set to return to the City after striking a deal to leave its Canary Wharf headquarters in 2028. The Magic Circle law firm has struck a deal with Great Portland Estates (GPE) to rent 321,000 sq ft of office space at the property developer’s 2 Aldermanbury Square project, which is set to [...]