Hammonds has struck a deal with its Italian ally which will extend the firms' current arrangement for the next five years, it was announced today (8 January).

Under the terms of the agreement, Milan-based Hammonds Rossotto is committed to another five years under the Hammonds banner as part of the top 20 UK firm's international network.

The move, which comes into force this month, will see the four-partner Italian firm – which also has bases in Rome and Turin – remain independent from Hammonds, as it has done for the last five years.

The deal comes with Hammonds' international network – which includes offices in Aosta, Berlin, Hong Kong, Munich and Paris – currently under the spotlight, with the firm last week strengthening its Brussels arm with the promotions of two new partners.

That followed the resignations last year of two Brussels-based partners – including competition partner Jose Rivas, who subsequently joined the local arm of McDermott Will & Emery.

A joint statement said: "We have reached our new agreement on friendly terms and in the best interests of all our respective partners. We are proud of our achievements during the first five years of our relationship. The new agreement allows us to build upon the strength of our existing relationship."