Weil set to join Middle East influx

Weil Gotshal & Manges is on the cusp of entering the Middle East, with a Dubai office launch planned for the end of the year.

The firm's European coordinating partner Joe Tortorici, who is currently based in Prague, will relocate to the region to build the firm's presence.

Tortorici said: "I'm right now spearheading an initiative and we expect to be opening in Dubai by the end of the year.

"Private equity and M&A will be two key areas of focus at the beginning. Many of our private equity clients are active in the region and there's a lot of interest in that part of the world on an inward and outward basis.

"That part of the world has clearly become a money centre so it seems logical to be in the Gulf states at this time."

Tortorici has been based in Europe since 1991, moving from New York to Budapest to establish Weil's office in the Hungarian capital. He also played active roles in setting up the Frankfurt, London, Paris and Prague offices.