Leading Cambridge UK law firm Hewitsons is in “detailed” merger talks with Veale Wasbrough Vizards, which is based in Bristol and London.

The discussions are seen by both as a positive move designed to deliver on each firm’s strategy for growth. The merged firm would have a combined turnover of £34m and 480 partners and staff, with offices in London, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Bristol.

Simon Heald, managing partner of Veale Wasbrough Vizards, said: “We have very much enjoyed meeting the Hewitsons team and discussing the possibility of merging our firms.

“In particular we have been struck by how much work we do in similar sectors such as education, charities and private client. Our participation in these discussions is driven by a belief that there is a real opportunity for us to create a national powerhouse in these sectors, complemented by the strength of our respective regional practices.”

John Dix, managing partner of Hewitsons LLP, added: “Combining our distinctive commercial practices with national sector specialisations is a compelling and exciting proposition.

“We are reviewing in detail the opportunities such a merger would present and the benefits for all our respective partners, staff and clients in terms of increased reach and deeper expertise.”

Veale Wasbrough Vizards acts nationally for clients in education and charities, healthcare, private wealth, family owned business and public sectors. The firm also offers a dedicated service to individuals and manages two distinctly branded divisions, Augustines Injury Law and Convey Direct.

Hewitsons has offices in Cambridge, Northampton and Milton Keynes. The firm serves a local, national and international client base ranging from major corporations and institutions, to individual private clients.