Osborne Clarke (OC) has strengthened its City banking team with a double partner hire from Taylor Wessing.

London banking and finance partners Dominic Ross and Akmal Ghauri are set to join the national firm as equity partners in January next year, bringing the total number of partners in the firm's banking team to seven.

Ghauri's move marks a return to the firm he joined as a partner in 2000 from Davies Arnold Cooper. His practice focuses on acquisition finance, property and development finance and venture lending.

Meanwhile, Ross specialises in advising on acquisition financings, debt restructurings, project financings and property financings.

OC's projects, real estate and finance head Omar Al-Nuaimi commented: "It's important that we take advantage of the opportunities the current climate presents to bolster and enhance our offering.

"Dominic and Akmal are both highly experienced and respected banking lawyers who will bring a range of complementary clients and skills to our banking team."

The double hire means the firm has now recruited six partners during the last six months, with the hires including Berwin Leighton Paisner funds partner Tim Simmonds and Norton Rose urban regeneration head Rajindh Mangat in June.