Moves by global law firms to expand into Africa continue to gather pace‚ with Hogan Lovells on Wednesday (20 November) agreeing to merge with Routledge Modise from December.

Lavery Modise. Image: Routledge Modise
The majority of Hogan Lovells' top 200 clients have operations on the continent while the law firm has an active and successful African practice‚ with more than 40 lawyers around the world focusing on Africa.
It says it now needs a physical presence in Africa.
The 2008 Routledge Modise association with Eversheds was dissolved in 2012 because of client conflicts and the new merger is expected to help the firm win business. "Both firms have proven track records and this is a merger of expertise and knowledge to ensure that we continue to offer our clients the very best legal services‚" Routledge Modise's chairman Lavery Modise said.
"We have found that we share the same values and approach as Hogan Lovells - providing creative legal and business solutions for our clients with the highest professional standards. That won't change," he added.
Global co-chief executive of Hogan Lovells, David Harris said Africa was an extremely important market for the firm. "A significant number of our clients have an interest or a presence on the continent and with Africa's substantial natural resources‚ expanding economies and growing consumer base‚ this interest will continue to increase rapidly," Harris said.
Routledge Modise will rebrand itself and relaunch as Hogan Lovells from early next year.