Casablanca
Magic circle firm Allen & Overy has announced its first move into Africa with an office opening in Casablanca.
The firm is looking to build on a number of recent deals in the continent, focusing on the region’s emerging markets.
The new office will open in September, with up to 25 lawyers working there by next year.
Allen & Overy global managing partner Wim Dejonghe said: ‘Morocco is rapidly establishing itself as a key hub for international companies and investors looking to build a presence in Africa.
‘It also has strong trade links with other markets in our network, particularly France, the Middle East and Spain, with growing interest from China, India and Japan.
‘It’s the perfect match for our global network and our emerging markets strategy and offers a fantastic platform to build on our extensive Africa-focused work.’
The news comes in the same week that Allen & Overy launches its new Washington operation. The addition of Casablanca will take its network to 39 offices in 27 countries around the world.
In Allen & Overy’s recent annual results, about half of its revenue growth for the 2011 financial year came from its newly-established emerging offices around the world.
