Allen & Overy has hired O’Melveny & Myers’ former head of investment funds James Ford, following failed merger talks between the two global firms in 2019. He is based in Hong Kong.

Ford, who was also the U.S. firm’s managing partner in Hong Kong, advises private equity firms and other investors on fund formation and investment transactions. He’s represented Asia-based sponsors on raising funds for various strategies as well as on acquisitions, disposals and on capital markets listings.