Nabarro has split with French alliance firm August & Debouzy and has begun its search for another ally.

The French firm opted out of the arrangement in order to explore options with other firms in the same jurisdictions as its former allies. It originally linked up with Nabarro in the early 2000s.

The European alliance network now comprises GSK Stockman & Kollegen in Germany, Nunziante Magrone in Italy and Roca Junyent in Spain.

Nabarro head of international Patricia Godfrey is leading a team from across the alliance network to find a new French partner while also exploring opportunities in other parts of Europe. The firm is currently understood to be in discussions in several jurisdictions in Western Europe.

August & Debouzy founding partner Gilles August said: "This decision allows August & Debouzy an opportunity to develop relationships with other law firms in jurisdictions already covered by alliance members. Circumstances and priorities change, but I know the positive relationships we have established between member firms across the alliance will continue even after our departure."

Nabarro senior partner Graham Stedman (pictured) said: "I would like to thank everyone at August & Debouzy and in particular, Gilles August, [managing partner] Emmanuelle Barbara and [corporate and real estate partner] Ferenc Gonter for their support and participation in the alliance over many years.

"There continues to be a place for a strong alliance of mid-market, independent law firms with a common ethos which give clients access to our collective legal expertise and the specialised knowledge we have of our own cultures and jurisdictions."

Her remit is to oversee and implement the firm's international strategy, including consolidating and expanding relationships within the European alliance network, monitoring the firm's international groups and exploring opportunities for further international expansion.

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