Ashurst sets sights on Netherlands launchAshurst is eyeing the Netherlands, with a launch in the jurisdiction an option on the horizon.The firm confirmed it is keeping a close eye on the market, but is still far off setting up shop on the ground. "This is a market we're keeping under consideration but there are no firm plans," a spokesperson said. The Netherlands has not been a prime target for firms' recent European office launches, although Taylor Wessing has stated its intention to launch there soon (17 October 2011). The market is largely dominated by a number of domestic firms and magic circle firms Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Linklaters, with other UK firms including Norton Rose and Simmons & Simmons. Ashurst unveiled a Beijing launch last week, on the same day that it went live with its merger with Australian firm Blake Dawson (1 March 2012). |