DLA Piper has boosted its nascent Johannesburg office with the addition of nine new lawyers, including a six-lawyer team from Linklaters' South African ally Webber Wentzel.

Webber Wentzel partner Peter Bradshaw is joining as head of corporate for South Africa, alongside corporate directors Marita van der Walt and Nada van Dyk, and two corporate associates. Competition director Janine Simpson also joins from Webber.

In addition, DLA has hired Jackie Pennington and two associates from its former local ally Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, with Pennington becoming a partner in the finance and projects practice.

DLA launched its own office in South Africa earlier this year, after its 10-year alliance with Cliffe Dekker broke down – with the African firm understood to have balked at attempts by DLA to more closely integrate.

DLA took Cliffe Dekker chief operating officer Michael Whittaker to lead the venture and then later hired Johannes Gouws from Webber Wentzel as its South Africa managing partner.

Gouws said: "The calibre of the lawyers that have joined us clearly demonstrates the strength of DLA Piper's brand locally and internationally. Our South Africa office is very much open for business, with a strong client offering centred on our corporate and finance capabilities."