SNR Denton Combination Unanimously Approved

US-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and UK-based Denton Wilde Sapte partnerships vote to combine and create an elite client- and quality-focused firm

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Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP; Denton Wilde Sapte LLP

Jun 09, 2010, 12:20 ET

NEW YORK and LONDON, June 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The partnerships of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP (SNR) and Denton Wilde Sapte LLP (Denton) today voted in favor of combining to form SNR Denton. Launching on September 30, 2010, SNR Denton will have more than 1,400 lawyers and professionals in 18 countries, forming a top 25 legal services provider worldwide by number of lawyers and professionals.

SNR Chairman Elliott Portnoy and Denton CEO Howard Morris will serve as co-CEOs of SNR Denton.

"Today's votes will create a truly international firm that will focus on the needs of our clients and on the quality of our service," said Mr. Portnoy. "The response of our clients since we shared our intent to combine the firms has been exceptional, as they will enjoy access to 1,400 exceptionally high quality lawyers and professionals who bring deep expertise in their industry sectors, practices and markets to bear on the legal and business challenges and opportunities most important to our clients," noted Mr. Portnoy.

Mr. Morris added: "We are delighted that our partners have recognized and embraced the unique opportunity presented by SNR Denton. With a strong client-service culture at both firms, our integration provides us with the opportunity to have lawyers working together seamlessly on shared clients."

The combined firm, with its largest offices in London and New York, will join complementary practices with a disciplined focus on meeting evolving client needs in eight key sectors: Financial Institutions and Funds; Energy, Transport and Infrastructure; Insurance; Real Estate, Retail and Hotels; Technology, Media & Telecommunications; Health and Life Sciences; Manufacturing; and Government.

In addition to the co-CEOs, Joseph Andrew of SNR and Martin Kitchen of Denton will serve as the co-Chairmen of SNR Denton.

SNR Denton will join Denton's historic strengths in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, Asia and Africa with SNR's presence across the US and key European markets. The two legacy firms offer complementary practices but distinct geographic footprints, with no overlap and no planned office closures.

With top tier practices serving leading business, government and institutional clients, the combined firm also has a distinguished pedigree – reflecting Denton's roots as a City of London firm dating to the late 1700s and SNR's founding in 1906.

The combination will be structured as a Swiss Verein, similar to other professional services and law firm combinations, composed of the member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity.

More Information

Further information on the pending combination of SNR Denton may be found at: www.snrdentoncombination.com

Legal Notice

This information relates to a proposed international legal practice, which has not yet become effective. Until such time, Denton Wilde Sapte LLP (incorporated in England and Wales under no. OC322045) and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP (a US limited liability partnership, registered in Delaware), remain separate and independent legal entities. Please see the Legal Notice on www.snrdentoncombination.com for more information.

Media Contacts:

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Jeffrey Mutterperl +1 212 398 8470	Duncan Miller +44 (0)20 7320 6193
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