Former DLA Piper referral firm Miranda Correia Amendoeira & Associados has launched in London, becoming the first major Portuguese practice to open in the City.

Of counsel Nuno Antunes will relocate to London to head up the new base, which will officially launch on 28 November.

The practice, which will not advise on UK law, will focus on providing investment advice relating to Francophone, Spanish and Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) Africa and Asia.

Miranda managing partner Rui Amendoeira said: "London is unique as a legal and financial centre, and from where there is a growing flow of business particularly into Africa."

Antunes added: "The establishment of a London office is further demonstration of the importance to Miranda and the Miranda Alliance of connecting directly with clients on the ground.

"Having set up the firm's office in Timor-Leste, a relatively new country but which holds significant natural resources, and my experience in Portugal and Africa, I am aware of the importance of being able to offer top-tier service and expertise in often challenging places in which to do business."

DLA Piper ended its formal, non-exclusive relationship with Miranda in 2010 as it sought a more permanent tie-up in the region. The firms' alliance had been in place since 2004. DLA subsequently formed an exclusive alliance with local outfit Azevedo Neves Benjamin Mendes Carvalho & Associados (ABBC) in early 2011.

Portuguese outfit CL@Cameira Legal also has a London office, with founding partner Maria Cameira leading the team.