Reed Smith, Pepper Hamilton may merge

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Two of Pennsylvania's biggest law firms are having preliminary talks about a merger.

Pittsburgh-based Reed Smith and Philadelphia-based Pepper Hamilton confirmed the discussions on Tuesday.

Reed Smith was founded in Pittsburgh in 1877 and has about 1,800 attorneys worldwide, including about 270 in Pittsburgh. Pepper Hamilton has more than 500 attorneys at 13 offices in the United States.

If the firms combined, they would comprise one of the 25 largest law firms in the country, with revenues of more than $1.5 billion annually.

Reed Smith issued a statement saying the firm sees "many potential benefits to joining forces."

Pepper Hamilton says the discussions are "in the early stages and will require a substantial amount of additional consideration on our part."

Published: Thu, Apr 14, 2016