Ashurst, Perkins Coie Partners Approve $2.8B Transatlantic Merger
Ashurst and Perkins Coie partners have officially approved a $2.8 billion transatlantic merger.
Why it matters: This milestone will create a top-20 global law firm, intensifying competitive dynamics and cross-border capabilities among elite firms. Legal leaders and clients face greater choices and more sophisticated service platforms across key global markets.
- The combined firm, Ashurst Perkins Coie, will launch in Q3 2026 with nearly 3,000 lawyers.
- With more than 50 offices, flagship hubs will include Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York.
- The firm’s projected revenue is $2.8 billion, placing it among the world’s top 20 by revenue.
- Paul Jenkins and Bill Malley will serve as global co-CEOs, emphasizing technology, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.
Partners at Ashurst and Perkins Coie have overwhelmingly approved their long-anticipated merger, with closing targeted for the third quarter of 2026. The newly combined entity, Ashurst Perkins Coie, will field approximately 3,000 lawyers across 50+ offices worldwide and estimate annual revenues around $2.8 billion, solidifying its status as a top 20 firm globally by revenue.
- Flagship hubs will operate in Seattle, London, Sydney, and New York, signifying the merger’s transatlantic strategy and expanded geographic footprint.
- The union emphasizes enhancing expertise in technology, energy and infrastructure, and financial services—sectors with high demand for cross-border legal solutions.
Leadership will be shared by Paul Jenkins of Ashurst and Bill Malley of Perkins Coie as global co-CEOs. As Jenkins remarked, "This vote confirms the strong alignment between our firms and our joint ambition for the future." Malley underscored the partners’ backing, calling it proof that the combination offers "a truly differentiated global legal platform."
The deal continues a recent trend of large-scale transatlantic legal mergers, following the 2024 Allen & Overy–Shearman & Sterling and the 2025 HSF Kramer combinations. Chairs Karen Davies (Ashurst) and Mark Birnbaum (Perkins Coie) both highlighted the move’s significance for meeting client needs in an increasingly complex environment.
Financially, Ashurst brought in $1.319 billion in 2024–25 revenue, compared to Perkins Coie’s $1.259 billion. Profit per equity partner was $1.8 million at Ashurst and $1.9 million at Perkins Coie, reflecting strong, complementary business performance from both sides.
By the numbers:
- $2.8B — projected revenue of the combined firm
- 3,000 — approximate lawyer headcount for Ashurst Perkins Coie
- 50+ — number of offices globally
What's next: The Ashurst Perkins Coie merger is expected to close in Q3 2026, pending final integration steps.