London—Dentons, the world's largest law firm, has voted to approve a combination with leading Scottish firm Maclay Murray & Spens. The combination, which is expected to complete later in 2017, will offer clients the services of around 800 fee earners in the UK, including 200 partners, operating from offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Milton Keynes and Watford. Upon completion, Dentons will have around 8,700 lawyers and professionals, with 153 offices in 66 countries.

"This combination will significantly enhance our scale and capabilities in the UK," said Dentons' Global Chief Executive Officer Elliott Portnoy. "Following soon after our recent combinations with equally high-quality firms in Latin America and the Netherlands, this development accelerates Dentons' momentum as we continue our journey 'from largest to leading."

"Maclay Murray & Spens is a Scottish leader in some of our strongest practices and sectors including Financial Services, Energy, Transport & Infrastructure, and Real Estate," said Jeremy Cohen, Chief Executive Officer for Dentons' UK and Middle East region. "By combining we will also significantly increase our out-of-London capability. Working seamlessly with colleagues in London, our Milton Keynes and Watford offices already enable us to deliver enhanced value to many of our largest clients. This combination will upscale that ability by a very considerable margin."

"Our vision is to offer clients the law firm of the future now," said Dentons' Global Chairman Joe Andrew. "By enhancing our ability to serve national and multi-national clients in the UK, the world's second largest legal market, and continuing to innovate in client service delivery, Dentons continues to set the pace in the global legal market."

Upon completion of the combination, Maclay Murray & Spens will transition to the Dentons brand.

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