Eversheds is set to launch in Romania through a formal tie-up with local firm Lina & Guia.

The four-partner Romanian firm, which has an office in Bucharest, will operate as Eversheds Lina & Guia from 1 October, increasing Eversheds' international reach to 46 offices across 28 countries.

Clients of the firm include Danone, Volvo, RBS, Medicover and private equity house Sigma Bleyzer.

Eversheds chief executive Bryan Hughes (pictured) said: "The Romanian market is a critical hub for the Central and Eastern European market and has strong growth potential as well as being a strong trade partner with Russia."

Lina & Guia managing partner Mihai Guia added: "Our collaboration with such a prestigious global law firm will enable us to provide our clients with a seamless international service and in return, we will be able to share our local knowledge of the Romanian market and this region with our new colleagues overseas."

The news comes as Eversheds eyes-up possible expansion into the Russian legal market. The firm's managing partner, Lee Ranson, recently joined UK Prime Minister David Cameron on a trade delegation to the country.

He told Legal Week: "While no announcement is imminent, we are looking very hard at the Russian market. Our clients are doing more and more work in the region. As such it is an important jurisdiction for us and fits within our aspirations as a global law firm."