Kennedys is deepening its presence in Latin America by making its associated office in Argentina, through Alberto Bunge & Associates (ABA), a full Kennedys office.

The three-lawyer office will continue to be led by ABA's head, insurance partner Alberto Bunge, and will become a full Kennedys office on 1 January 2018.

The office has a focus on insurance and reinsurance matters, particularly property and casualty, energy and financial insurance.

Kennedys senior partner Nick Thomas said: "Argentina is one of the largest insurance markets in the Latin American region, and there was a growing need from both existing and potential clients for us to have a full Kennedys presence available to them.

"Our Argentine office will help secure Kennedys' position in the Latin America insurance market and adds to our considerable expertise across the region."

Bunge added: "We are very much looking forward to becoming part of Kennedys, as it will provide us with a competitive advantage through the knowledge and expertise we can draw on from its global network for the benefit of our clients."

Last year, Kennedys opened bases in Brazil, Peru, Chile and Colombia, while the firm has this year opened in Paris, Bangkok, Melbourne, Mexico City and Bermuda, as well as signing a formal association with Italian boutique Studio Legale Rinaldi Associati.

It also completed a merger with US boutique insurance firm Carroll McNulty & Kull and, in the UK, united with Manchester commercial litigation specialists Berg, following unsuccessful merger talks with UK insurance firm Plexus.

In 2016-17, the firm's revenue stood at £149.9m – an 8% increase on the previous year.