Pinsent Masons and Salans are taking steps to extend their alliance in a move that could see the firms' relationship become exclusive.

The two firms' management met last month in Paris to discuss how they can progress the relationship. While neither firm ruled out a future merger, current discussions centre on how the two firms can work more closely together, including discussing making the year-old alliance exclusive.

The firms are also looking at cost-sharing initiatives, in particular in the UK and China, with Pinsents set to move into Salans' Shanghai office shortly. The duo already conduct joint training in the UK and are now looking to boost secondments between the two firms.

The firms have also decided to draw up joint marketing and branding material for pitches to clients, and in particular are looking to work more closely in certain sectors including energy, hotels and leisure and pharmaceuticals.

Since launching the alliance last June, the firms have won joint clients, including the International Finance Corporation, as well as working together to advise a number of existing clients, including Pinsents client HSBC, on cross-border deals. The firms are thought to have boosted turnover by a seven-figure sum as a result of the tie-up.

Pinsents senior partner Chris Mullen (pictured) commented: "Both firms have experienced a successful first year and our clients really like what our alliance can do for them. Building on from this, we are looking to see how we can develop the alliance relationship to ramp it up a notch."

Salans global managing partner Dariusz Oleszczuk said: "In a relatively short period of time we have solidified the relationship and we are now looking for new business opportunities. Acting together, we are a much more presentable animal."

Additional reporting by Suzanna Ring.