International firm Fieldfisher has announced a merger with London and Birmingham commercial practice Hill Hofstetter.

Hill Hofstetter is a 18-partner firm that specialises in corporate, litigation, real estate and employment law. Last year its turnover was more than £6m.

Lawyers currently based at Hill Hofstetter’s London office will move into Fieldfisher’s London base. Plans are also under way for the combined firm to transfer to a modern premises in Birmingham next year.

Michael Chissick, managing partner at Fieldfisher, said more than 80% of its work is generated by companies with European and international headquarters.

‘Expansion throughout Europe remains a key focus for our new strategy, and we look forward to Hill Hofstetter supporting us in our goals, by strengthening our presence in the UK,’ he said.

Chris Hill, founding partner of Hill Hofstetter, added: ‘We have known and worked with Fieldfisher over many years and the quality of work and vision was a natural fit’.