Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has created a European restructuring practice in London with the addition of Kirkland & Ellis partner James Watson and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer partner Adam Gallagher.

The announcement Wednesday comes as the firm looks to expand its European presence and just days after Simpson Thacher said it will open an office in Brussels led by former Allen & Overy global antitrust co-head Antonio Bavasso, a decision the firm said was driven by Brexit.

"Establishing a restructuring practice in Europe is a logical expansion of our existing platform and will further enhance our ability to serve clients across the corporate, private equity and financial sectors as a single source of best-in-class advice," said Jason Glover, managing partner of the firm's London office, in a statement.