Dentons set to join mission to renew trade with Libya

AFRICA: City practice forms association with Ghanaian firm

City practice Denton Wilde Sapte - which this week announced it is to start an association with Ghanaian firm Bentsi-Enchill & Letsa - is set to boost its African operations by visiting Libya with an official government delegation organised by Trade Partners UK.

Following British diplomatic overtures to the oil-rich regime of Colonel Gaddafi, a spokesman for Trade Partners UK said it had arranged a trip to Libya next month and would invite delegates from industries that might be interested in business opportunities there.

Charles Morrison, the chairman of Dentons' Africa committee, said Libyan economic activity is found throughout Africa, from Zimbabwe and many other sub-Saharan countries.

'I can't speak for the internal trade situation in Libya, but in its external relations Libya desires to be at the heart of African business.'

Mr Morrison said Dentons has good contacts with Trade Partners and would expect to join the delegation when it is arranged.

He said the purpose would not be to scout for new association offices - like the one sealed in Ghana - but that Dentons was keen to involve itself in any revived trading activity with the former pariah state.

The firm signed the deal - a 'best friends' association - with Ghana's largest firm, Accra-based Bentsi-Enchill & Letsa.

Dentons energy partner David Tennant, who also sits on the Africa committee, said: 'The three associated offices we have established to date have produced an increase in fee income...

this partnership with the best firm in Ghana will give us a competitive edge and an excellent listening post.'

The firm has similar associate offices in Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda, while it has a full-fledged Dentons office in Cairo, following its merger with Fox & Gibbons in 1999.

Other firms with African business interests include CMS Cameron McKenna and Trowers & Hamlins.

Jeremy Fleming