New legal powerhouse to be launched in 2013
It has been confirmed that Canadian firm Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP and South African firm Bell Dewar have agreed to merge on 1 February 2013.
The combined firm, which is yet to be named, will create one of the largest law firms operating in Africa, specialising in the areas of mining, project finance, capital markets and M&A. The firm will boast over 700 lawyers spread across offices in Canada and in the UK, France and South Africa.
Blaize Vance, the current managing partner of Bell Dewar, will become the regional managing partner for Africa and David Corbett will continue as Fasken Martineau’s firm managing partner.
“As we looked to expand our base and grow our Africa business, we considered a number of potential partners. Fasken Martineau was the obvious choice given the firm’s reach, expertise and global capabilities,” said Vance.
“Our firm has long been known for our unique understanding of the African marketplace. This merger speaks both to the power of our brand and to the expanded capabilities and services we now offer to our global clients,” said Corbett.
Who’s Who Legal lists 42 lawyers from both firms with nominees from 10 offices.