Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has strengthened its Middle East coverage after sealing an exclusive alliance with Saudi Arabia's Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan (LFSH).

The exclusive association, which is effective today, expands on an existing relationship between the two firms.

The move comes after Freshfields bulked up in the Middle East with the relocation of Tobias Mueller-Deku to Riyadh, taking the firm's own partner count in Saudi to five.

Mueller-Deku, who had been a partner with the firm since 1999, is managing the growth of the firm's Saudi finance and securities practice as well as advising on corporate matters. Freshfields also has offices in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, where it has a presence in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Freshfields' joint senior partner, Konstantin Mettenheimer, said: "Freshfields has been active in the Middle East for many years and I am delighted that we are strengthening our presence in the region with this exclusive association. The association with LFSH will provide clients with a compelling blend of local and international legal expertise."

Mueller-Deku added: "Consequently, deal interest has risen and with it the demand for quality legal services that combine established local knowledge with multi-jurisdictional capabilities."

News of Freshfields association comes after a number of other UK firms have formed alliance with Saudi firms in recent years. These include Lovells, which teamed up with Al-Yaqoub Attorneys & Legal Advisers (AYALA) secured in April 2009.

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