Racine merges with three-partner Réunion firm

The merger follows the formation of a strategic partnership between the two firms in October last year. Akhoun-Rajabaly-Affejee & Associés partners Iqbal Akhoun, Rohan Rajabaly et David Affejee become partners at Racine.

Although the Ile de la Réunion is geographically situated closest to Africa it is an overseas department, or administrative region, of France and is considered part of the EU and the eurozone.

The office, which will be known as Racine Océan Indien (Racine Indian Ocean), is Racine’s first outside mainland France, although it does have partnerships in Brussels and Beirut.

Racine founding partner Bruno Cavalié said the move was in line with the firm’s strategy of building an international network and would provide the firm with a good platform for work in southern Africa.

Akhoun added that Indian Ocean clients would benefit from Racine’s expertise and its mainland French network.