Key points:
- Law Business Research and ALM announce strategic merger.
- Combined group employs 900+ globally across major legal markets.
- LBR CEO Nick Brailey to lead the merged entity; ALM CEO Bill Carter steps down.
Law Business Research (LBR) and ALM have merged to form a global legal intelligence provider, combining expansive regional reach and complementary product portfolios. The move was announced on March 24 and creates a firm with over 900 employees and offices spanning New York, London, Washington DC, Erlanger, Philadelphia, Austin, and Hong Kong.
The merger unites two of the most recognized names in legal data and publishing. LBR, known for its global footprint and focus on legal analysis and data services, is backed by ICG and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. ALM, publisher of titles such as The American Lawyer and Corporate Counsel, has deep penetration in the U.S. legal market and is owned by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital.
Nick Brailey, current CEO of LBR, will serve as group CEO of the newly combined organization. ALM’s longtime CEO Bill Carter will step down after ten years leading the business. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead the new group,” Brailey said, “and to work closely with our global teams to capitalise on the strong foundations and deliver on the exciting potential that lies ahead.”
In a statement, EagleTree Capital’s Anup Bagaria and Michael Struble praised Carter’s tenure and described ALM as a “fantastic investment.” As part of the transaction, ALM’s business and finance division will be carved out, rebranded, and retained by EagleTree.
The merger combines LBR’s strength in UK and global markets with ALM’s established presence in the United States. Both companies will maintain their current product sets, continuing to serve practice and business of law professionals, as well as the broader global markets in IP, governance, risk, and compliance.
Advisors on the deal included Ropes & Gray, Arma Partners, and Lincoln International for LBR, ICG, and LLCP. ALM and EagleTree were advised by Raymond James and Jones Day.