Two of Israel’s largest law firms are in merge talks to become the Israel’s largest law firm 

Naschitz Brandes in talks to merge with Shibolet

If the merger materializes, the new firm will be Israel’s largest law firm with over 300 lawyers.

Two of Israel’s largest law firms are in advanced talks to merge, sources inform “Globes.” Naschitz Brandes Amir with 165 lawyers and Shibolet & Co. with 145 lawyers are in advanced talks and if the talks bear fruit, the merged firm will be the country’s largest firm and the only firm with more than 300 lawyers. The talks began several months ago and have progressed to the stage where a draft merger agreement has been drawn up and exchanged.

“Globes” also understands that under the terms of the agreement future income will be divided unevenly with Naschitz Brandes Amir receiving 66.6% of billing and Shibolet only 33.3%. This division, sources say, reflects the respective profitability of the two law firms. However the most senior and manager partners of the new law firm will receive equal income.

Some of the partners in the planned new merged firm are opposed to the clauses in the draft agreement about the division of income, although most of the partners in both firms support the measure.

The new merged firm will leapfrog above Israel’s largest three law firms: Meitar Liquornik Geva Leshem Tal with 280 lawyers; Herzog Fox Neeman with 276 lawyers; and Goldfarb Zeligman with 222 lawyers.

Shibolet & Co. said, “The firm does not respond to rumors. We see importance in organic and non-organic growth of the firm and hold talks of this kind with appropriate firms from time to time.”

Naschitz Brandes Amir declined to comment.

Negotiations are being led by Adv. Amir Sharon, Naschitz Brandes Amir senior partner in the mergers and acquisitions department and Adv. Lior Aviram, Shibolet & Co. managing partner and head of high-tech and venture capital.

Source: Globes – Naschitz Brandes in talks to merge with Shibolet

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