Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom has appointed leading Paris M&A lawyer and Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier co-managing partner Olivier Diaz.

Diaz, who according to Skadden will join "in the very near future", advises clients on public takeovers, private equity and corporate matters.

His recruitment is the third European partner hire for Skadden in just over a month, following the additions of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer insurance head Robert Stirling and Dechert international arbitration partner Daniel Gal in London.

"Hiring Olivier underscores the firm's commitment to further developing our core practices in Paris, and, more generally, in Europe," said Skadden executive partner Eric Friedman.

The firm's Paris office is currently home to three partners – Pascal Bine, Armand Grumberg and Pierre Servan-Schreiber – and 24 other lawyers.

Diaz joined Darrois in 2000 from Linklaters, after just two years at the magic circle firm, which he joined in a three partner move from Gide Loyrette Nouel.

"Skadden's global footprint and leading M&A practice provide an unparalleled platform for continuing to expand my practice," commented Diaz.

Earlier this year, Skadden's former Paris head, Christopher Baker, was appointed to advise International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde as part of a negligence investigation launched by French authorities.