Howrey enters Spain via local tie-up

US firm Howrey is set to be the next Anglo-Saxon entrant into the Spanish market, merging with Madrid competition boutique Martínez Lage & Asociados.

Howrey will launch its new office at the start of next year, swallowing up the three-partner Martínez Lage firm. Founder and managing partner Santiago Martínez Lage will manage the office, which features 11 lawyers and three partners.

Howrey's move comes after Latham & Watkins entered the Iberian market at the start of the year, opening offices in Madrid and Barcelona.

"We will work well together and look forward to serving our clients from this vibrant city," said Howrey chairman Robert Ruyak. "We welcome the distinguished lawyers of the Martínez Lage law firm to Howrey."

Howrey opened its first European antitrust practice in Brussels in 2002. It will have 60 competition lawyers in Europe once Martínez Lage comes on board.