Ashurst has moved to rebuild its Paris finance practice with the hire of Linklaters leveraged finance specialist Pierre Roux.

Pierre Roux, who has been a senior associate in Linklaters' Paris office for four years, is rejoining Ashurst as a partner after spending 10 years at the firm from 2003 to 2013.

The move represents Ashurst's first hire in Paris since it emerged in February that a five-partner private equity team was leaving to join Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Roux also specialises in corporate finance, real estate finance and debt restructurings, and regularly advises banks.

Ashurst Paris managing partner Philippe None said: "Pierre's appointment is part of our strategy to develop a broader and more diversified finance capability that will also now focus on growth French lending markets, including direct lending and funds financing. This is a perfect complement to where we have a strong capability in London and other European offices."

Ashurst global banking head Lee Doyle added: "We are really pushing to grow the corporate lending footprint we have. Pierre's background has been a lot more bank-focused than the Paris office has been historically, and it's brilliant to bring him back with those connections. His strong links with the French banks particularly are very important, as they continue to be active in both the London and European finance sectors too. If you want to grow your international relationship with a bank you need a strong domestic relationship too."

The private equity team leaving to join Freshfields comprises Guy Benda, Nicolas Barberis, Stephanie Corbiere, Yann Gozal and Laurent Mabilat. The five partners will all join the magic circle's office in the French capital later this year. Ashurst's Paris tax head Nadine Gelli is also leaving the firm after resigning at the end of last year.

However, the firm made an addition to its Paris partnership this week with employment lawyer Nataline Fleury made up in this year's promotions round.