Taylor Wessing and Winston & Strawn explore strategic merger

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Taylor Wessing’s UK arm and international firm Winston & Strawn LLP have confirmed that they’re currently in merger discussions. If finalised, the merger could create the latest transatlantic force with over 1,300 lawyers and revenues of around $1.63 billion – placing this new firm within the top 40 in the Global 200.

Winston & Strawn chair Steve D’Amore and Taylor Wessing UK managing partner Shane Gleghorn are leading the discussions. Taylor Wessing, the larger of the two firms, is headquartered in the UK and reported £283.7 million in revenue this year, with profits of £103 million and profit per equity partner (PEP) earnings over £1 million. The firm specialises in technology, media and communications; life sciences and healthcare; real estate, infrastructure and energy; and private wealth. The firm’s UK business has been the driving force behind its European growth, helping push combined revenues between 2024 and 2025 to £526.2 million (€619 million).

Meanwhile, Winston & Strawn, headquartered in Chicago, generated $1.27 billion in revenue and $410 million in net profit last year, with PEP earnings of $3.5 million. The firm is known for its white-collar crime and transactional work, and its high-stakes litigation. A merger would give the US firm long-sought access to the UK market.

This merger is the latest potential cross-border deal, following similar mergers in recent year, including Ashurst’s and Perkins Coie’s recent merger – which is currently subject to closing conditions, including a partners vote.

A Winston & Strawn spokesperson said: "Winston & Strawn and Taylor Wessing UK confirm that they are in discussions regarding a potential combination, which would build upon the complementary strengths, shared ambitions, and combined international reach of the two firms going forward. However, there’s nothing to formally announce at this stage, so we will not be commenting further at this time."