Is Yet Another Merger Forthcoming?

Discussions are underway for what would potentially become the third transatlantic merger to take place this year, according to a report from the Lawyer. U.S.-based Mayer Brown and U.K-based Simmons & Simmons have reportedly reopened talks on such a move and both firms are slated to outline the proposal to their partnerships next week.

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.