PORTLAND

Verrill Dana has 118 lawyers after merger of two firms

Verrill Dana, a Portland-based law firm, has merged with Friedman Gaythwaite Wolf, another Portland law firm. Verrill Dana now totals 118 lawyers in the firm’s five offices in Portland and Augusta in Maine; Boston; Stamford, Conn.; and Washington, D.C.

As a result of the Aug. 1 merger, Verrill Dana will offer a broader array of specialized experience in the following core practice areas: complex commercial litigation, corporate disputes, personal injury and products liability, toxic torts and environmental litigation, professional liability disputes, insurance litigation, and labor and employment litigation, the firm said in a news release.

“We’re excited to grow our practice with the addition of such esteemed trial lawyers,” said Verrill Dana’s managing partner, Keith C. “K.C.” Jones. “The lawyers joining Verrill Dana enjoy sterling reputations in the states in which they practice. Each firm’s wealth of experience and courtroom acumen, coupled with highly individualized client service, makes this merger a perfect fit.”

Those joining Verrill Dana include managing partner Martha Gaythwaite, and two other partners, Harold Friedman and Karen Frink Wolf.

Firm’s acquisition bolsters its intellectual-property edge

Perkins Olson, a Portland firm that specializes in business law, has acquired Bohan Mathers & Associates, a leading intellectual property law firm in northern New England.

Each practice will continue to serve its own clientele under its current name, while maintaining its personnel, unique characteristics and specialized services, Perkins Olson announced this week.

“We have enjoyed a business relationship with Bohan Mathers over several years, working together with entrepreneurs to protect their intellectual property,” Perkins Olson President Dave Perkins said. “We are now in a better position to serve clients needing IP work, combined with a broad range of corporate and business law services. By integrating, our broad-based business practice will now have a keen focus on technology and intellectual property-based businesses.”

Perkins Olson and Bohan Mathers & Associates will consolidate offices at 32 Pleasant St. in downtown Portland.

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS

Founder regains advantage in bid to buy computer giant

Dell CEO Michael Dell has regained the advantage in a lengthy battle to buy the slumping personal computer maker that he founded nearly 30 years ago. He persuaded the company’s board to accept a slightly better offer that adds a one-time dividend in exchange for a pivotal change in how shareholders will vote on the deal.

The latest twist in the six-month saga emerged Friday shortly before Dell Inc. was scheduled to hold a shareholder vote on the company’s proposed sale to Michael Dell and investment firm Silver Lake Partners for $24.4 billion, or $13.65 per share.

– From staff and wire reports

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