DLA Piper partners give backing to firm's Aussie merger
Partners at DLA Piper and DLA Phillips Fox have voted in favour of plans to fully integrate the two firms.
Alastair Da Costa
The firms will merge on 1 May, when Phillips Fox will become part of DLA Piper’s international LLP.
The merger will create an Asia Pacific practice with an estimated revenue of £195m – the largest of any UK firm in the region.
Partners at DLA Piper had been preparing to vote since January (27 January 2011).
In statement DLA Piper’s Asia Pacific managing director Alastair Da Costa said: “This is a significant step in our strategy and brings us closer as a firm to achieving our vision.
“The Asia Pacific economy is unquestionably where the majority of global growth will be seen in the coming years and we’re excited about how we can leverage such growth for our clients’ benefit.”
DLA Phillips Fox’s New Zealand offices are not included in the merger, and will instead remain part of the DLA Piper group as an exclusive referral partner.
Earlier this month Clifford Chance became the latest firm to set its sights on Australia, announcing that it will merge with two boutique firms (16 February 2011).
