SNR Denton's London-based head of trade and export Geoffrey Wynne is set to leave the firm to launch a UK-base for US firm Sullivan & Worcester (S&W).

Wynne, who is top-ranked by Chambers and Partners for commodities trade finance work, advises banks and trade financiers on trade and commodity transactions. He is set to head S&W's new London office, which will mark the firm's first international outpost.

SNR Denton has yet to confirm a replacement for Wynne, however a number of practice head positions at the firm are likely to change as it prepares to merge with Salans and Canada's Fraser Milner Casgrain under the Dentons banner in the first quarter of this year.

With offices in Boston, New York, and Washington DC, S&W has around 175 lawyers and lists Deutsche Bank, Lloyds Banking Group and Pfizer among its clients.

"We expect to bring on a handful of associates to support him, and we hope the initial number to be between six and eight," said co-managing partner Joel Carpenter.

"With Geoff at its foundation, we anticipate our London office will further our plans to broaden and enhance our existing practices in cross-border finance, mergers and acquisitions, tax, banking, and international arbitration."

Carpenter said that after trade finance the firm would look to build a securitisation practice in London.