Weil, Gotshal & Manges is reviewing strategic options that could include a merger with a competitor, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The firm is consulting its partners and considering strategic hires and promotions to reinforce its business, although it could remain independent. The review follows several departures, including prominent New York dealmaker Michael Aiello, five other M&A partners set to join Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and two London-based M&A partners who recently moved to Sullivan & Cromwell. Senior leaders have become more receptive to combining with another firm, and some have held informal discussions to assess interest, Bloomberg reported. Weil did not immediately respond to Reuters for comment, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the report. Founded in 1931, Weil is based in New York and has about 1,200 lawyers worldwide, with practices including M&A, restructuring and bankruptcy.