Eversheds has continued its Asian expansion with the opening of a new office in Singapore, while the firm is also in the early stages of preparation for a Hong Kong launch.

The firm has recruited DLA Piper's former Singapore managing partner Desmond Ong to head up the new operation. Ong quit as DLA's Singapore chief last November and was replaced by Linklaters partner Martin David.

The Singapore office will be Eversheds' second office in Asia in addition to its Shanghai base, with Hong Kong set to become the third. Last year Eversheds recruited former DLA Piper and Heller Ehrman Asia head Nick Seddon to lead the Hong Kong launch.

Eversheds said the Singapore office will also serve the markets in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Bryan Hughes, Eversheds' chief executive designate, said: "Our Singapore office will become a hub for Eversheds and our clients in Southeast Asia. Our strength in the financial services industry, and technology sectors, complements the infrastructure and dynamism of the Singapore marketplace."

Ong, who is a corporate and litigation lawyer, added: "We are already involved in many international transactions with global Eversheds clients Brady, Motorola and Rolls-Royce. The firm has enjoyed rapid international growth over the last six years and we are looking forward to contributing meaningfully to its continued success in the coming years."

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