DLA snaps up Bangkok firm to extend Asian base

City firm DLA has beefed up its Asian practice by acquiring Bangkok and Singapore-based commercial firm J Koh & Co.

Seven Singapore-based lawyers will join DLA's existing office in the city, and Koh's five-lawyer strong Bangkok office will become a DLA office.

But the lawyers - including two partners - joining DLA's Singapore office when the acquisition takes effect on 1 June have to relinquish their practising certificates.

Local bar restrictions in Singapore prevent partnership between local and foreign lawyers, and foreign lawyers are not permitted to provide domestic law advice.

The firm is now recruiting to build up a litigation capacity in Bangkok.

DLA managing partner Nigel Knowles said: 'This move is an opportunity for us to position ourselves to be the lawyers of choice for businesses investing into Asia and for Asian businesses investing into Europe.'

DLA has also recently opened in Shanghai and expanded in Hong Kong by taking on 19 lawyers from fellow City firm CMS Cameron McKenna.

Jeremy Fleming