DLA Piper and Oz firm Phillips Fox agree to merge

28 January, 2011

DLA Piper International LLP and Australian business law firm DLA Phillips Fox have announce that terms have been agreed for the full integration of DLA Phillips Fox into DLA Piper.

Both firms expect to gain overwhelming partner consent for the integration by the end of February with the integration becoming effective on 1 May 2011.

Sir Nigel Knowles, Co-Chief Executive Officer of DLA Piper and Frank Burch, Global Chairman of DLA Piper commented: "The cementing of the relationship between DLA Piper and DLA Phillips Fox is part of our Global Strategy and is an integral part in helping us become the world's leading business law firm. As part of our strategy we are committed to expansion within the G20 nations, and with Australia as the 14th largest industrialised nation it provides excellent opportunities with its strong ties to some of the most rapidly growing economies in Asia. With the integration of DLA Phillips Fox, DLA Piper will be the world’s largest business law firm, uniquely positioning our firm to serve the world’s leading enterprises wherever they may conduct business."

On completion of the integration, DLA Piper's Asia Managing Director Alastair Da Costa will become Managing Director for the whole of the Asia Pacific business.

The Asia Pacific business will have revenues expected to exceed £195m and will comprise over 700 lawyers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. In addition to over 300 lawyers from the West Coast of the United States, this business will have the depth and breadth to rival any other law firm in the region and will provide clients with multijurisdictional capabilities.