Norton Rose is this week set to end months of speculation over the future of its wayward Cologne arm, with the 65-lawyer branch within days of sealing its protracted move to German suitor CMS Hasche Sigle.

Legal Week understands that the top 10 City firm will finalise exit terms later this week, with the deal to take effect from 1 January. Norton Rose acquired the office in 2000 from German national firm Gaedertz.