Clark Hill PLC and Thorp Reed & Armstrong LLP have announced a merger agreement which they expect to close in the second quarter of this year.

The law and professional service firms, which have more than 100 years of history each, will merge into a firm that would include more than 300 lawyers in a variety of practices such as banking and finance law, litigation and employment law.

The combine law company will have 12 offices and operating in seven states including Chicago, Illinois, Wheeling, West Virginia and Wilmington, Delaware.

Under the deal, the brand name Clark Hill Thorp Reed will be used by the combined firm in chosen markets.

Chief executive officer of Clark Hill PLS and the combined firm, John. J. Hern, Jr., said in a statement that the merger will result in more value to clients with more capabilities and expertise in more places.