Eversheds Breaks New Ground With Middle East Merger

DUBAI, UAE, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- International law firm Eversheds has today (25 May 2011) announced that it has merged (and associated in Saudi Arabia) with Middle Eastern law consortium KSLG in a groundbreaking move that will see the firm treble in size in the region.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110525/457277 )

KSLG is a consortium of Middle Eastern law firms Dhabaan & Partners, Khasawneh & Associates and Sanad Law Group. The consortium provides a full range of quality legal advice ranging from corporate/commercial and real estate, to government policy reform, employment and dispute management. The merger will give Eversheds KSLG unrivalled geographic coverage in the Middle East with offices in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh.

In a bold strategic move in to the Middle East, the deal will see KSLG fully integrate into Eversheds LLP, but retain the name Eversheds KSLG, pending completion of licensing arrangements.

Nasser Ali Khasawneh, a founding partner of KSLG and managing partner of Eversheds KSLG Dubai office said:

"The vision behind KSLG was to provide clients with a regional practice that could cover work throughout the Middle East with quality, efficiency and a level of service excellence that was consistent in every office of the group. This is a regional practice with staff of the highest calibre with the highest level of local and international qualification and experience. We share the same vision as Eversheds to be committed locally but connected globally and so they are a natural merger partner for us."

Bryan Hughes, Chief Executive of Eversheds LLP said:

"The Middle East continues to be an exciting, dynamic market. Our clients tell us that they need a first class legal product that provides consistent, quality advice across the whole of the Middle Eastern region. We have been looking to establish a region-wide offering for some time and importantly with a firm that is totally aligned to our ambitions and values. KSLG's strong domestic reputation and local knowledge will strengthen Eversheds international offering and will create a progressive corporate legal practice in the Middle East with a strong platform for growth."

Chris Jobson, Managing Partner of the Middle East said:

"We have worked with KSLG for many years. KSLG are client centred, have high calibre lawyers and deliver consistent quality advice. The merger reflects natural evolution and cements a strong and long-standing relationship."

Notes to editors

About Eversheds LLP

Eversheds LLP and its world wide offices have over 4,500 people who provide services to the private and public sector business and finance community. Access to all these services is provided through 50 international offices in 30 jurisdictions. Eversheds combines local market knowledge and access with the specialisms, resources and international capability of one of the world's largest law firms.

http://www.eversheds.com

SOURCE Eversheds