The expansion is intended to bolster the firm’s corporate offering
Herbert Smith Freehills has announced plans to establish an office in Luxembourg early next year.
The expansion is intended to bolster the firm’s private capital offering. Three new partners also join the firm to strengthen the funds, M&A, and tax teams.
Funds specialist Joanna Pecenik Vergès d'Espagne and M&A/private capital lawyer Marc Tkatcheff make the jump from A&O Shearman, while tax expert Jean-Dominique Morelli hails from Maples & Calder.
“Private capital is one of our key strategic growth areas. We are delighted to have Joanna, Marc and Jean-Dominique leading us in this important expansion of our platform and network – another milestone in our international growth plans, underpinned by a commitment to service clients wherever they operate,” HSF global CEO Justin D’Agostino said in a media release.
Executive partner for EMEA, UK, and US Alison Brown explained that the expansion to Luxembourg reflected its commitment to growing in the EMEA region.
“The key growth driver for us is investing in areas where our clients need us, building strong leading practices that excel in the relevant markets. Establishing a presence in Luxembourg and the hire of Joanna, Marc and Jean-Dominique, all highly regarded practitioners in the market, are testament to our strategic and targeted growth and continued commitment to the EMEA region,” Brown said.
Global head of corporate Mike Flockhart added that Luxembourg was “an attractive financial centre and a hub for fund and broader corporate groups operating across Europe.”
“Having a presence there enables us to extend our European offering and provide greater support to our private capital clients on complex, cross-border deals. We are excited to have Joanna, Marc and Jean-Dominique on board with us at this pivotal moment for our firm,” Flockhart said.
The opening of the new office is pending approval from the Luxembourg Bar.
Earlier this month, HSF strengthened its US presence through a merger with Kraver Levin.
