Dentons shocks market with mass Asia closure

Denton Wilde Sapte is to completely withdraw from Asia, axing four offices in the process.

The firm is pulling out of Hong Kong, Beijing, Singapore and Tokyo, in a move that will affect 12 partners and around 50 lawyers in the region. In total approximately 100 staff will be hit by the decision.

Staff are currently in negotiations with the firm about their future, with the possibility of some being transferred to other offices.

Chairman James Dallas said the withdrawal came following the firm’s decision to focus on its four main sectors, and that ultimately it would help the bolster the firm’s profitability.

"There are better business opportunities in other parts of the world, such as the Middle East and the CIS," he said. "This move will allow us to focus are resources more on them."

Last year to cut around 70 staff in London, including 40 lawyers.