Slaughter and May’s best friends in Italy and Germany are to become flatmates in London after signing an 11-year lease on a joint office in the City.

Italian firm Bonelli Erede Pappalardo and Germany’s Hengeler Mueller will move into new London premises at 30 Canon Street by the end of January 2007.

The move strengthens ties between the two firms. They will share the reception, five conference rooms and the office breakout room.

Head of the Bonelli’s London office Riccardo Sallustio said: “There is a lot of synergy between the Germans and Italians, especially in finance.”

Both firms will have a capital markets, banking and corporate capability.

“You could say this is a commitment to London and a commitment to the best friends network,” said Sallustio.

Sallustio said Spanish best friend firm Uria & Menendez was also involved in early discussions to join in the move, but last year renewed its existing lease at 100 Canon Street.

Slaugher and May commercial real estate partner David Beales advised both Bonelli and Hengeler on the lease agreement.

The move comes a week after Slaughter and May announced it would be moving into the same building as Bonelli, Hengeler, Uria and French best friend Bredin Prat in Brussels.