McDermott Will & Emery has become the latest law firm to expand into Turkey, with the US firm's new office set to operate in conjunction with Istanbul's Fora & Sanli.

The association, which is required in order to comply with local bar rules, takes effect today (3 January).

McDermott will use the tie-up to expand its healthcare practice, one of the firm's largest practice areas, and will work with its international clients on health sector transactions in Turkey and the surrounding region.

Fora & Sanli, an Istanbul-based M&A boutique, focuses on Turkish health regulatory and commercial law with a particular emphasis on public-private partnerships.

McDermott international healthcare M&A head John Callahan commented: "Health sector transactions present unique issues requiring nuanced, industry-focused expertise to resolve. We plan to soon fill the void that currently exists in Turkey for qualified, health-focused M&A expertise."

Fora & Sanli name partner Banu Fora added: "We believe that the arrangement is unique in Turkey and in the region, and will enable our clients to access a level of health regulatory, M&A, tax and corporate finance expertise that is unparalleled."

The news comes less than three months after Baker & McKenzie announced a launch in Turkey in co-operation with local firm Esin Attorney Partnership.

Meanwhile, Clifford Chance launched a Turkey office in April last year in conjunction with local firm Yegin Legal Consultancy, while DLA Piper opened for business in the country in June 2010.

Related: