CMS von Erlach Henrici, the Swiss arm of the CMS network, has merged with Genevan firm ZPG avocats, giving the group its first office in the jurisdiction.

The move has added six partners, including former ZPG managing partner Charles Poncet, and 20 fee earners to the firm, which will be known as CMS von Erlach Poncet.

CMS executive committee chair Cornelius Brandi said: "Switzerland's position as one of Europe's leading strategic, economic and financial centres makes it a key market for CMS and for our clients.

"The merger is a major extension of our strength and depth in an important country and underlines our commitment to extending CMS in line with growing client needs."

CMS' Swiss arm expanded back in 2005 when CMS von Erlach Klainguti Stettler Wille merged with 10-lawyer Zurich finance boutique Henrici Wicki & Guggisberg to form CMS von Erlach Henrici.

The latest move comes as CMS Cameron McKenna is set to merge with Scottish firm Dundas & Wilson. Dundas will merge with CMS on 1 May, creating a firm with turnover of around £277m.

Dundas' Edinburgh and Glasgow offices will take on the CMS banner but will retain the Dundas name for a transitional period of six to 12 months, while the Aberdeen and London offices will become CMS.

In the wake of the announcement Dundas confirmed a six-partner exit from the firm which included disputes partner Andrew Walker, one of the founding partners of CMS Cameron McKenna's real estates disputes practice. Former chairman David Hardie has also departed from the firm.

|