Pinsent Masons has formed a referral relationship with Ernst & Young member Luther Menold as the national UK giant moves to strengthen its links in Germany.

The new relationship with Luther Menold, which follows the merger between Pinsents and Masons in December 2004, is part of a move to broaden the firm's German referral links beyond its formal national ally, the Duesseldorf-based Hoffmann Liebs Fritsch &
Partner.

Pinsent Masons told Legal Week that the "strategic alliance" with the 23-lawyer Hoffmann, established by legacy Pinsent Curtis Biddle in 2002, would be maintained despite the Luther Menold link, which is not expected to be exclusive.