Latham & Watkins has relocated two London partners to Singapore as the US firm moves to bulk up its English law practice in the region.

Rod Brown and Luke Grubb are respectively joining the M&A and outsourcing groups in Singapore.

Brown joined Latham from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in 2007 and became a partner in 2010. He specialises in international M&A and joint ventures, and has worked on deals across a broad number of sectors including energy, real estate, and financial services.

Earlier this year he was part of a Latham team advising US billionaire Ron Burkle on his acquisition of a 60% stake in private members' club chain Soho House Group.

Meanwhile, Grubb, who joined Latham in 2003 and was promoted to partner in 2008, has extensive experience advising a diverse cross-section of clients on outsourcing transactions such as technology procurement, systems development and licensing arrangements.

Prior to joining Latham, Grubb was an associate at the firm now known as Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

Latham Singapore managing partner Stephen McWilliams said: "Rod's broad transactional expertise adds further depth to our M&A and private equity capabilities in Southeast Asia, while Luke's wealth of experience advising on complex commercial technology and outsourcing transactions strengthens our offering in region."

Latham has a total of 36 lawyers in Singapore, including 11 partners. The firm was awarded a licence to practise local law in the country in 2008.

The Asian Lawyer is a US affiliate title of Legal Week.