Smart Business Interviews Tom Froehle on Strategy and Value of Firm Combination

As chief executive partner of Baker & Daniels, Tom Froehle spent several years strategizing a merger that would provide the best combination of talents to deliver the greatest value to clients. In an interview with Smart Business Indianapolis, Froehle explained that although Baker & Daniels was approached by many firms over the past decade, he and his team took their time to identify the firm with similar standards of excellence, similar culture and complementary strengths.

On Jan. 1, 2012, Baker & Daniels combined with Faegre & Benson to create Faegre Baker Daniels, of which Froehle is now chief operating partner. In his interview, Froehle explained the strategy behind combining the two firms, considerations for identifying a partner firm, the process of bringing the two firms together, and procedures for communicating the long-term benefits to clients and personnel.

"We went to our top 100 clients over the course of the year to talk about the combination," Froehle told Smart Business. "Many clients were excited to hear about the new capabilities that were part of the combination. That has been really positive."