Key facts
- Ashurst and Perkins Coie have agreed to merge.
- The new firm will be called Ashurst Perkins Coie.
- The merger is valued at $2.7 billion and is expected to close in Q3 2026.
- The combined firm will have 52 offices in 23 countries.
- Bill Malley and Paul Jenkins will be the global co-CEOs.
Anglo-Australian law firm Ashurst and US-based Perkins Coie have announced their intention to merge, creating a new global entity named Ashurst Perkins Coie. The deal, valued at $2.7 billion, is anticipated to be finalized in the third quarter of 2026, pending partner and regulatory approvals.
The combined firm aims to establish a significant transatlantic presence, spanning 52 offices across 23 countries, from Seattle to Sydney. This strategic combination is expected to bolster Ashurst's energy and infrastructure expertise with Perkins Coie's strengths in technology and intellectual property.
Leadership continuity is planned, with Bill Malley of Perkins Coie and Paul Jenkins of Ashurst set to serve as global co-CEOs. Both firms will continue to operate independently until the merger is officially completed. Ashurst has a history of international expansion, having previously merged with Blake Dawson in 2012. Perkins Coie is reportedly exploring further expansion in China, specifically Shenzhen, following its withdrawal from Shanghai and Beijing.