The Wilmington-based law firm of former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh is to merge with prominent Center City-based law firm, Pepper Hamilton L.L.P., the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The merger is designed to prepare Pepper Hamilton to expand its white-collar defense practice, according to the Inquirer.

Freeh started his own law firm in 2006 and has headed numerous investigations, including one on the failure of Pennsylvania State University to address sexual assault allegations.

The merger follows four years of collaboration between the two firms, according to Philadelphia Inquirer.