Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson is to launch a German practice with the hire of two corporate partners from Hoelters & Elsing.

Frankfurt-based partners Sven Schulte-Hillen and Jurgen van Kann are set to join the New York firm next month in a move that will establish Fried Frank's third European base after London and Paris. The move is expected to be finalised later this week.

The practice, which will focus on M&A and capital markets, is expected to formally launch for Fried Frank at the end of July, with two associates joining the partners.

The launch of a German arm in Frankfurt comes at a time when Fried Frank is focusing on expanding its European capability after merger talks with London's Ashurst collapsed last May.

Former Ashurst managing Justin Spendlove has made little secret of his desire to launch a credible German practice since joining Fried Frank in the newly-created role of European managing partner in March.

The US firm secured office space in Frankfurt in March.

Spendlove, who oversaw the 18-month merger talks between Ashurst and Fried Frank, stepped down in January after four years as Ashurst's firm-wide managing partner.

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