Field Fisher Waterhouse has boosted its Brussels base with a double hire from A&O, at the same time as the office's head of its pensions departs to join Benelux leader Stibbe.

Field Fisher will build a public and administrative law practice in the Belgian capital with the hire of A&O counsel Veronique Vanden Acker, who joined last week along with one associate.

The UK firm has also confirmed that Brussels pensions head Corinne Merla is leaving to join Herbert Smith ally Stibbe, along with a team of associates.

Field Fisher's hire of Vanden Acker follows on from the firm's hire of A&O senior associate Stijn Debaene as a partner in Brussels last month.

Vanden Acker's practice focuses on the public and private sector, including public procurement contracts and public-private partnership structures. She also advises on regulatory matters in the pharmaceutical and communications sectors.

Brussels managing partner Eric Cusas said: "It is a pleasure to welcome Veronique to the firm. Her appointment represents a cross-practice asset, as it will allow us to offer additional services to our existing real estate, commercial litigation and corporate clients."

Field Fisher launched in Brussels in April 2007 with an office founded by three partners. The base currently has 13 partners and 27 fee earners.