Norton Rose and Chadbourne to merge

Global law firms Norton Rose Fulbright and Chadbourne & Parke are set to merge.

Most of Chadbourne’s 24 private equity lawyers are based in the US, while Norton Rose’s 19-strong team are based in London.

The merger is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year, with the deal valued at a reported $2 billion. Chadbourne will lose its name, operating under the Norton Rose Fulbright brand.

The firm will have more than 4,000 lawyers in 58 offices across 32 countries.

Norton Rose’s private equity lawyers include partner Bayo Odubeko, who has advised Carlyle and Helios Investment Partners on Africa deals. Chadbourne Parke’s team includes Talbert Navia, a partner whose clients include Northleaf Capital and infrastructure conglomerate Odebrecht.

The announcement comes as a nine-partner team from Norton Rose’s Houston office joined international law firm Baker Botts. They include private equity transaction lawyers Edward Rhyne and Natasha Khan.