Clyde & Co has further increased its footprint in Asia through an association with Indonesian law firm Lubis Ganie Surowidjojo (LGS).

The UK firm has appointed Singapore-based projects and resources partner Michael Horn to lead the venture, and plans to focus on Indonesian clients growing domestically and abroad.

The Jakarta-headquartered LGS, which was founded over 30 years ago, is one of Indonesia's largest law firms, and has a longstanding relationship with Clydes.

The firms will focus on disputes, compliance and regulatory matters in areas such as energy, infrastructure, marine and trade and commodities, and will place lawyers in each other's offices and integrate teams where appropriate. Clydes is also expected to support LGS with its plans to grow nationally.

Legal Week first reported Clydes' plans to launch an association in Indonesia this February. The country, currently Southeast Asia's largest economy, has already attracted a string of international players, most of which have formed associations with local outfits given the strict rules prohibiting them from practising Indonesian law.

Those with a presence include Allen & Overy in association with Ginting & Reksodiputro, Linklaters in partnership with Widyawan & Partners, White & Case with MD & Partners, Ashurst in association with Oentoeng Suria & Partners, Norton Rose in partnership with Susandarini & Partners and Hogan Lovells in association with Hermawan Juniarto.

Clydes, which was also granted approval to launch in Beijing in May and formalised its joint law venture with Singapore-based Clasis in August, said a local tie-up in the country was a logical next step for its Asia-Pacific practice given that partners had been immersed in Indonesian projects for many years.

It previously served the market from Singapore alongside firms Clifford Chance, DLA Piper, Squire Sanders and King & Spalding. Clydes' other offices in the Asia-Pacific region are located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Perth, New Delhi and Mumbai. 

Related: Clydes set for Indonesia association as global players eye emerging market.