Allen & Overy, Shearman & Sterling Partners Approve Merger

Over 99% of the partners at Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling voted for the two global firms to combine, with both parties beginning "active integration planning," aiming to complete the transaction by May, the Oct. 13 announcement said. Both have international trade and financial sanctions practices. The new firm, A&O Shearman, will have around 3,950 lawyers and 800 partners worldwide, the announcement said.