Ballard Spahr and Lindquist & Vennum announced that they have agreed to merge effective January 1, 2018. The combined firm—which will retain the name Ballard Spahr—will have more than 650 lawyers in 15 offices nationwide.

Joining with Am Law 100 firm Ballard Spahr will bring expanded service offerings and a national platform to Lindquist & Vennum, which advises clients in corporate M&A, finance, and litigation matters and is recognized as a leader in middle-market dealmaking.

The merger will enhance practice capabilities at Ballard Spahr, particularly in the areas of private equity and strategic M&A transactions. It also extends Ballard Spahr’s national footprint into the Midwest, giving the firm offices in Minneapolis and Sioux Falls, SD, and an expanded presence in Denver. The Minneapolis office will be Ballard Spahr’s largest office outside of Philadelphia.

Ballard Spahr Chair Mark Stewart commented:

“Lindquist & Vennum is a first-rate law firm with considerable strength in areas we want to expand. A strategic priority of our firm is the continued growth of our corporate transactional practice. This merger will add a sizeable group of experienced corporate partners to our Business and Finance Department and significantly increase our M&A capabilities, particularly in the private equity space. Our two firms share strength in financial services, litigation, energy, and family wealth management. Minneapolis is a center for financial services, medical device, retail, and food/agricultural businesses. That matches up well with our combined talents. Most importantly, the Lindquist lawyers are smart, creative, and genuinely nice people. On every level, this combination feels right.”

Lindquist & Vennum Managing Partner Dennis O’Malley commented:

“We are excited to join a forward-thinking firm like Ballard, whose attorneys share our view that client relationships are strategic partnerships. Lindquist has been courted by a number of firms, and we have kept our clients’ interests front and center. Ballard’s and Lindquist’s cultural compatibility and commitment to excellence will ensure our clients receive the same exceptional service, responsiveness, and value that we have always provided, enhanced by the resources of an Am Law 100 firm.”