Dublin’s Arthur Cox has appointed corporate finance partner Mark Saunders as the new head of its London office.

Saunders has been brought in to replace incumbent John Matson, who will continue to divide his time between London and Dublin. Matson, alongside corporate finance partner Ronan Walsh, launched the London practice four years ago and has been head of the office since 2001.

Saunders practises in corporate and M&A as well as capital markets and structured finance. The appointment of a London head with a strong finance pedigree reflects considerable growth in the firm’s London-based capital markets, derivatives, structured finance and tax practices.

Arthur Cox’s London office houses anywhere between three and 10 lawyers as is required. Saunders will be London’s only full-time resident partner.

Saunders is expected to take up his new post by the end of June.