Allen & Overy (A&O) has launched an outpost in Romania after signing an agreement with local firm Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu (RTPR).

The association, which takes effect from 1 July, sees the magic circle firm expand its Central and Eastern European (CEE) presence to Bucharest.

The five-partner office, which was founded in May 2004, will practise as Radu Taracila Padurari Retevoescu SCA in association with Allen & Overy, becoming part of A&O's regional practice, which includes offices in Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Moscow.

A&O's Prague-based CEE managing partner Jane Townsend (pictured left) will spend part of her time in the Bucharest office, along with Bratislava-based M&A partner Hugh Owen and Budapest-based finance partner Marcell Nemeth.

Townsend said: "The move is in response to client requests and also a strategic move from our part because we feel that Romania is a crucial part of our practice in the region."

A&O has worked with RTPR on its Romanian transactions for some time, and although there are no current merger plans, the firm did not rule it out as a future option.

The move comes as Linklaters announced it will split with four of its CEE offices – including Bucharest – following a review of its strategy in the region.