Eversheds Sutherland has poached two partners from Simmons & Simmons and acquired a Nordic firm to launch three new offices in Luxembourg and Russia.

The new office in Luxembourg so far comprises Simmons’ investment funds partners Jose Ignacio Pascual Gutierrez and Viviane de Moreau d’Andoy, who worked at the previous firm since the 2015 launch of its Luxembourg office. They are joined by five associates from the firm.

Eversheds is moving into Russia with the acquisition of Hannes Snellman’s entire Russia operation, which includes bases in Moscow and St Petersburg. The Nordic firm currently numbers five partners and 17 other lawyers and will be headed up by corporate partner Victoria Goldman, the former managing partner for both of Hannes Snellman’s offices.

The other partners who will join the new entity include Hannes Snellman’s real estate partner Yury Pugach, litigation partner Luke Wochensky, corporate partner Anu Mattila and corporate partner Mikhail Timonov. The office will focus on real estate, litigation, M&A and corporate crime and investigations.

The launch of the new offices in Russia and Luxembourg takes the firm’s headcount in the region to 66.

Eversheds Sutherland co-chief executive Lee Ranson said: “The strategic expansion of our global platform is a key element of our 2020 vision, and one which continues to gather real momentum. Luxembourg and Russia are both a natural fit for us in terms of our client base, practice strength and geography.”

Hannes Snellman entered the Russia market in 2006 as part of its acquisition of Finnish firm ETL Law Offices. The firm now has bases only in Helsinki and Stockholm.

Hannes Snellman senior partner Johan Aalto added: “After more than a decade of serving clients in the Russian market, it is time to hand over the reins to Eversheds Sutherland, a firm which is more than well equipped to further develop the solid practice at hand. We are confident that both clients and staff will be pleased with the opportunities that this new chapter brings.”

The news means that Eversheds is continuing on its expansion drive, which saw it open its fourth office in Germany with the acquisition of Düsseldorf-based firm Grooterhorst & Partners.

The office opened in August with three partners from legacy Grooterhorst heading up a team of 11 lawyers. The focus will initially be on real estate and insurance with a view to expand into a full-service practice.

Under Ranson’s domain, there are plans to grow London and Continental Europe, as well as its recently-acquired Singapore presence.

Joint CEO Mark Wasserman’s focus will be to strengthen New York, Texas and Washington DC.