Linklaters’ Asia managing partner has said he is open to the possibility of a merger with Australian ally Allens Arthur Robinson, as the firm takes steps to expand collaborative working with its antipodean counterpart.

The magic circle outfit, which sealed its alliance with Allens – one of Australia’s ‘big six’ firms – in April 2012, could look at the possibility of financial integration in the future as a way of providing a one-stop shop to its clients, according to Marc Harvey.