Israel's Shimonov Barnea dissolves after partner rift

One of Israel's best-known internationally-focused firms Shimonov Barnea & Co is to split into two tomorrow (1 July). The division is believed to be the result of a disagreement between the partners over the distribution of the equity.
The larger of the two new firms, with three partners and seven assistants, will be Barnea & Co, headed by well-known securities specialist Michael Barnea. The firm will also feature real estate partners Aya Lavi-Bezalel and UK-qualified partner Simon Jaffa.
Jaffa said that his new firm will primarily focus on servicing companies with operations in the UK, notably in the technology sector. Shimonov Barnea had already success-fully tapped the UK market with advice to clients such as Nomura, Shore Capital and paper and plastics business DS Smith. Last week, Barnea & Co recruited its third UK-qualified lawyer, former Eversheds lawyer Orlea Brad-man, who starts in September. Bradman will join the ex-Pais-ner & Co Jaffa and ex-Dechert assistant Simon Marks.
The remainder of Shimonov Barnea & Co will form Shimonov & Co, headed by Israel Shimonov.