CMS Cameron McKenna has joined the ranks of City firms targeting the Middle East after the addition of Lebanon's largest law firm, Levant Lawyers, to its network of alliance members.

Fifty-lawyer Levant becomes the first CMS member firm in the region following discussions with the UK, German, French and Italian representatives of the alliance.

Levant is headquartered in Beirut and has additional offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. The agreement specifies that Levant will further expand in the Middle East by the end of next year.

Camerons energy and projects partner Bob Palmer, who led the discussions for the City firm, said: "As well as opportunities to take advantage of the very significant investment of Middle East funds into the UK and Europe, particular emphasis during this initial period will be in the practice areas of energy, project finance, asset finance and corporate transactions."

CMS executive partner Robert Derry-Evans added: "Whilst our centre of gravity remains firmly in Europe, we view this co-operation with Levant as an important step in capitalising on our existing work and a chance to develop new and exciting opportunities together."

The CMS network has almost 60 offices across 30 jurisdictions globally and last month rubber-stamped plans for closer integration.

Levant chairman Emile Kanaan commented: "Through [the agreement] we will be able to offer our clients access to around 2,500 lawyers and to the most extensive network of law firms in Europe."

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