China's Zhonglun builds links in Europe

chinese firm Zhonglun W&D Law Firm is continuing its assault on the European market with its first associations with firms in the UK and Italy.

Zhonglun, which opened a seven-lawyer office in London last year, has signed agreements with London's Grundberg Mocatta Rakison and ADV of Florence, Italy.

It also hopes to sign with Leeds-based Ford & Warren next week, as it looks to target the North of England IT sector, according to managing partner of the London office Haibin Xue.

Zhonglun, which also has associations with Birmingham's No5 Chambers and a firm in France, is targeting mid-market and niche practices with M&A, IP, banking and litigation expertise in a bid to offer advice to its Chinese client base.

Grundberg corporate partner Richard Beresford, who has now become a consultant to Zhonglun, said the tie-in allows his firm to target companies in China, Singapore and Malaysia.