Beijing-based Guantao Law Firm has merged with its Shanghai alliance firm Zhongmao Law Firm.

The merger will create a 500-lawyer firm with 100 partners and 14 offices, including one overseas office in Sydney. The merged firm will continue to be known as Guantao in English and headquartered in Beijing. Legacy Guantao managing partner Cui Liguo and Zhongmao managing partner Sheng Leiming will be co-managing partners of the enlarged firm.