Ashurst is to launch in Sweden in January after agreeing a merger deal with local M&A boutique AJB Bergh, as the City giant looks to grab a slice of the Nordic region's robust deal market.

The tie-up, which was approved following a partner-ship vote last week, will see the Stockholm outfit become fully integrated financially with the top 10 City firm.

The office will have 21 lawyers when it opens and will be headed by AJB senior partner Jonas Bergh. In a related move, Mats Rooth – a senior finance lawyer with SEB Merchant Banking – will join the office as a partner.

AJB was founded by Bergh in 2000 and focuses on M&A, private equity and real estate. Berg was previously a partner with Lagerlof & Leman, which subsequently merged with magic circle giant Linklaters.

Ashurst senior partner Geoffrey Green said in a statement: "The strength of the Swedish economy has driven increased volumes of M&A in 2006 and we anticipate that this trend will continue. We believe that we will be able to assist many of our corporate, private equity and financial institution clients who are active in Sweden and regionally."