The CMS law firm network is set to expand into Portugal with the addition of Rui Pena Arnaut & Associados (RPA).

The move, which was approved by the network's executive committee on Friday (21 October), will see RPA rebrand as CMS Rui Pena & Arnaut from 1 January next year, extending CMS's reach to 55 offices across 30 countries.

RPA, which is based in Lisbon, has nearly 60 lawyers and tax advisers, including 14 partners, with associated offices in Brazil and Angola. It entered into a co-operation agreement with CMS in October last year.

CMS chairman Cornelius Brandi commented: "This adds an important jurisdiction to our European growth strategy. CMS RPA can continue to build on its reputation in Portugal, while simultaneously working as part of CMS on being the best European provider of legal and tax services."

RPA founding partner Jose Luis Arnault added: "Since 1964 we have been building a strong brand in the Portuguese market. Joining CMS means we can continue to build on that work and on reinforcing our Iberian strategy, while overnight becoming a European powerhouse."

The news comes after CMS confirmed an overhaul of its international strategy this summer which will see it add member firms from outside Europe for the first time.

The network, which includes the UK's CMS Cameron McKenna, has to date only comprised European members, but is now considering adding member firms in Turkey, Brazil and the US.

The new strategy was discussed at the annual CMS partner meeting in Berlin at the end of June.