Eversheds has merged with Middle Eastern law consortium KSLG, handing the firm new bases in Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

The consortium, which comprises Dhabaan & Partners, Khasawneh & Associates and Sanad Law Group, has offices in Amman, Baghdad, Riyadh and Dubai. The merger, which went live today (25 May), follows a six-year working relationship between Eversheds and KSLG.

KSLG has a total of seven partners and almost 50 staff and specialises in corporate and commercial, real estate, government policy reform and employment and dispute management. The group will fully integrate into the Eversheds limited liability partnership, with the exception of the Riyadh base, due to restrictions on foreign owenership.

Eversheds already has existing Middle East offices in Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Eversheds Middle East managing partner Chris Jobson commented: "We believe this is the first merger of this kind and size in the Middle East and it will be game-changing.

"It not only significantly increases our size in the region but it also gives us a bigger footprint with access to new jurisdictions where KSLG is already doing work for their clients and our clients.

"We will also be able to leverage off KSLG's unique understanding of what it is like to be in-house to further develop relationships with in-house counsels both in the region and beyond. KSLG's policy and legislative drafting track record will enable us to get closer to government."

Eversheds chief executive Bryan Hughes (pictured) added: "The Middle East continues to be an exciting, dynamic market. We have been looking to establish a region-wide offering for some time and importantly with a firm that is totally aligned to our ambitions and values."