Addleshaw Goddard has entered into a formal alliance with its Japanese best friend Hashidate Law Office, as part of the firm's recent push to ramp up its overseas capabilities.

The UK top 20 firm, which recently launched a new international division led by private equity partner Andrew Carpenter to spearhead its expansion outside of the UK, has had an informal partnership with the Japanese outfit for 15 years.

The decision to enter into a formal alliance follows announcements from the firm earlier this month that it is to open offices in Hong Kong and Qatar.

The firm has hired Patton Boggs corporate partner Hussein Damirji to lead the new Qatar base in Doha, alongside Dentons banking and finance partner Martin Brown.

In Hong Kong, the office willl be temporarily headed by Andrew Carpenter and international arbitration partner Jonathan Tattersall, but the firm is currently looking for additional staff.

Commenting on the Japan venture, managing partner Paul Levitt said the tie up was a logical step forward for Addleshaws given its plans for growth in Asia and in light of the history between the two firms.

"Our colleagues in Tokyo are well known to us and it makes sense to formalise our close ties," he said.

"Our alliance, together with our investment in new overseas offices, provides us with a strong foot-print in key economies to support our commitment to deliver for clients whenever and wherever they need our support."

Hashidate managing partner Kenji Hashidate said the alliance would hopefully help boost its own international footprint.

"With the strategic alliance in place with Addleshaw Goddard, Hashidate anticipates expanding the geographic scope of its coverage area, which, thanks to the global footprint and experience provided by Addleshaw Goddard, now may include fast-growing economies such as those of Dubai, Africa, and India.

"Having worked closely with Addleshaw Goddard for more than 15 years, we are aware that Addleshaw Goddard shares Hashidate Law Office's commitment to providing innovative and effective legal services."

Addleshaws opened its first overseas office in Singapore in May last year, followed by a base in Dubai in September and an association with Nasser al Habsi Law Firm in Oman this March.

Other firms to focus on international growth in recent months include Nabarro and Berwin Leighton Paisner , both of which have also recently created international-focused leadership roles to head up global growth initiatives.