Edinburgh-based Simpson & Marwick, founded in 1886, has become the latest Scottish law firm to give up its independence in a cross-Border merger.

The deal with Clyde & Co, the eleventh largest UK firm with 1500 lawyers and 40 offices worldwide,   was flagged by both sides four months ago and has now been formally agreed by the Scottish firm's 45 partners.

It follows an aborted merger two years ago with English firm Kennedy's, which like Clyde has a strong position in the insurance sector and was seeking a Scottish presence.