Herbert Smith eyes Singapore marriage as it builds in AsiaHerbert Smith has become the latest City firm to bag an alliance in Singapore.

It has linked up with two-partner corporate niche firm Arfat Selvam & Gunasingham (ASG).David Willis, managing partner of Herbert Smith's Singapore office, said ASG 'is widely recognised as a leading corporate law firm in Singapore'.

The development of Singapore and the liberalisation of its legal profession give the alliance the chance to develop 'value-added, cross-border services for both international and local clients', he added.

Herbert Smith's senior partner, Richard Bond, said there was a possibility that the two firms would form a joint venture - the highest level of co-operation permitted between foreign and local firms in Singapore.

Last year, the Singapore government approved seven joint ventures: five with UK firms, two with US firms.

Mr Bond said Herbert Smith would consolidate its position in Asia - it has offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo, and an associated office in Jakarta - before eyeing further Asian markets.Jeremy Fleming