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Suzi Ring

Suzi Ring

December 09, 2010 | International Edition

Halliwells partners to be questioned for report into firm's collapse

Former Halliwells partners are to be interviewed by BDO next year as the administrator attempts to determine the specific reasons for the firm's demise. BDO's Dermot Power and Shay Bannon are set to interview a significant number of ex-partners before producing a report on the period surrounding the collapse for the Insolvency Service. The report to the government body will look at whether the insolvency could have been avoided, and aims to identify whether the actions of any partners contributed to the collapse and the shortfall now facing the firm's creditors.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 08, 2010 | International Edition

Hogan Lovells and Skadden lead on landmark $1.65bn Russia retail deal

Hogan Lovells and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom have taken lead roles on a $1.65bn (£1bn) acquisition by one of Russia's largest retailers. X5 Retail Group, the retail branch of financial-industrial conglomerate Alfa Group, has acquired rival retail chain Kopeyka in a deal expected to close later this month. Hogan Lovells advised X5 with a team led by Moscow managing partner and corporate head Oxana Balayan (pictured) and senior M&A counsel Richard Cowie. London tax partner Karen Hughes also advised on the deal.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 08, 2010 | International Edition

US firm Seyfarth hires Norton Rose employment head for London launch

US firm Seyfarth Shaw is set to launch an office in London with the hire of Norton Rose global employment head Peter Talibart. The new City base, which is expected to open in 2011, will focus on international employment law. Talibart will head up the office with a brief to develop the firm's employment practice in Europe and the Middle East.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

BLP boosts English law in Moscow with transfer of former finance chief

Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) is relocating former finance head Simon Allan to its Moscow arm in response to an increasing demand for English law in the office. Allan will relocate to Goltsblat BLP in January 2011 to join the banking and finance team and develop its international capabilities. He specialises in advising governments and leading private companies on complex transport, defence and urban regeneration projects, and has been on BLP's board for the last 10 years.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

Bonelli makes up juniors to equity in partnership revamp

Italy's Bonelli Erede Pappalardo has reshaped its partnership and elected a new compensation committee following its partner conference last month. The firm plans to phase out its junior partner rank by moving the group into the equity. The decision will see 13 junior partners become equity partners from 1 January, taking the equity partnership to 51. They will be paid based entirely on profit share rather than under the current structure, which sees them receive a fixed salary as well as a share of the firm's profits based on performance.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

Eversheds brings in ex-Norton Rose China managing partner in Shanghai

Eversheds has hired Norton Rose's former China managing partner to head up its Shanghai office, following the departure of current head Peter Corne. Jean-Marc Deschandol is set to take up the role of Shanghai managing partner effective today (9 December).

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

Bakers names new management for Kiev base

Baker & McKenzie has appointed new management for its Ukraine office as its current managing partner retires from the firm. James Hitch is set to retire from Bakers at the end of 2010 after nine years as managing partner of the Kiev office.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

Clydes hires Minter Ellison partner to head up China construction team

Clyde & Co has hired Minter Ellison construction partner Ian Cocking to take up a newly-created role as China construction head. Cocking will join Clydes' Hong Kong office early next year from the local arm of Minters. He specialises in major construction projects including project documentation and commercial contracts, advice on contractual issues and dispute management and resolution.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

CC sizes up options for Australia launch

Clifford Chance (CC) has been looking again at entering the Australian market, two years after informal merger talks with Mallesons Stephen Jaques ended in 2008. The magic circle law firm has been considering options in the region and has held discussions with a number of firms on the ground in recent months. Perth outfit Cochrane Lishman Carson Luscombe and Sydney firm Chang Pistilli & Simmons are among those CC is understood to have talked to within the last two months; however, discussions with both firms are now thought to have been concluded.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read

December 07, 2010 | International Edition

DLA Piper hires Dundas partner for regional banking chief role

DLA Piper has bulked up its Scottish arm with the hire of Dundas & Wilson partner David Morton as its new regional head of banking. Morton joined DLA Piper's Glasgow office last week to head up the firm's Scottish banking team, becoming the second partner in the group, which sits within the broader finance and projects practice.

By Suzi Ring

2 minute read