The merger would follow the transatlantic unions forged earlier this year between Hogan & Hartson and Lovells and Sonnenschein and Denton Wilde. According to the report, the merger between Mayer Brown and Simmons & Simmons would potentially give Mayer Brown a significant presence in the United Kingdom while Simmons & Simmons would substantially bolster its presence in Asia.
The firms reportedly reopened merger talks after partners at Simmons “demanded” from management details on a potential merger.
Mayer Brown, which is based in Chicago, is coming off a tough 2009 that saw significant declines in revenue and profits. Earlier this year the firm, which has 22 offices in 10 countries, axed 28 associates and 47 staffers.