Hogan Lovells has strengthened its London asset finance practice with the hire of two partners from magic circle firm Linklaters.

The transatlantic firm is set to bring in Linklaters' head of asset finance, Robert Fugard, and fellow asset finance partner Simon Gwynne on 1 May.

Fugard, whose practice focuses on aviation, shipping and Islamic finance, has advised clients such as Citibank, Deutsche Bank and UBS, as well as airlines such as Emirates and Swiss International. Gwynne has advised on a broad range of structured financings involving aircraft, cable and telecoms equipment, rolling stock and other big-ticket assets.

Following the departures, Linklaters' asset finance practice will be headed by banking partner Olga Petrovic, who will work alongside one other banking partner. However, there will be no dedicated asset finance partners left in London.

The hires will take Hogan Lovells' London asset finance practice, headed by Robin Hallam, to seven partners. The firm was attracted to the duo because of their relationship with several airlines and rail companies.

Hogan Lovells finance co-chief David Hudd (pictured) commented: "Attracting a team with the track record and following that Robert and Simon have adds considerable quality and breadth to our London and international team and will, I believe, give Hogan Lovells the top asset finance team in the London market."

Fugard added: "Hogan Lovells has a broad banking practice, with strong relationships with both borrowers and lenders. That, combined with the recognised international platform, will allow us to grow a world-class international asset finance practice."

Most recently, Hogan Lovells brought in debt capital markets partner Dennis Dillon from the City arm of Sidley Austin.