UK law firms Pitmans and Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB) have entered into exploratory merger discussions, BDB has confirmed in a statement. 

A formal vote by partners will take place on 27 September 2018. If these discussions do result in a merger, it would see the combined firm have a headcount of 80 partners and 404 staff.

BDB said it had decided to make an announcement so that it "can be transparent with our staff and clients throughout the process."

The firm added that as discussions progress it will make further announcements.