Swedish law firm Magnusson has launched a presence in Norway by sealing an exclusive alliance with local firm Kluge, a full-service practice with 37 partners across three domestic offices.

The agreement, which took effect earlier this month (1 August), sees the firm set up a branch office in Oslo in association with Kluge.

Magnusson partners will spend time in the office on a case by case basis depending on individual client matters.

Magnusson senior partner Per Magnusson described the move as a "natural step" as the two firms have a longstanding relationship and share clients including energy giant Statoil.

He said: "It made sense to offer clients a one-stop shop for our joint services. We will offer our full services [in Oslo], with particular focus given to energy, corporate, M&A and litigation practices."

Aside from the Oslo launch, Magnusson is planning further expansion into the Baltic region, with jurisdictions including Latvia and Lithuania pegged for office openings before the end of this calendar year.

The Norwegian association is the latest expansion by Magnusson across Northern Europe, with the firm expanding into Finnish capital Helsinki in March 2011 and Estonian capital Tallinn in March this year.